Rollin Kocsis
Artist StatementThe process of making art is central to my life; it is my passion. It seems I have always had a desire to paint, draw, or create some other type of visual art. I love the process and the product of art. Creating art provides me with challenges that involve the skills I have learned over the years. Before you can understand how I make art, I would like to share a quote by Canadian painter Lawren Harris. He said, “Paintings come out of themselves.” I truly believe this and it is how I approach my work. Most of my paintings are spontaneous and they simply evolve from the process of painting. I like to work in layers. Usually, the first thing I do is select a color scheme for the work I am about to complete (complimentary, analogous, split-compliment, triads, etc.). Then I start smearing paint around. I like to begin with a palette knife; I feel it is very freeing because it’s difficult to control the paint with a knife. As I push paint around, if I don’t have a subject in mind, I’m thinking of one. Many times the paint spread on the canvas gives me ideas. It is like when you see images in the clouds. Sometimes I use tape to mask out areas or certain colors as I layer on other colors. As I apply the tape, I am aware of the composition I am designing. I like the surprises that come up when the tape is peeled away. Layer after layer, the painting almost begins to create itself. As the painting develops, I get more detailed in my work, using smaller brushes and more precise strokes. My goal as a painter is two-fold: to enjoy what I am doing, and to make something that someone else will enjoy. What is art without an audience? Art is to be shared. I hope my work brings something of value to those who view it. BiographyRollin Kocsis was born and raised in South Bend, Indiana. He attended Indiana University in Bloomington where he graduated with honors in 1970 with a B. S. in art education. That same year he moved to Memphis, Tennessee. Rollin Kocsis began his teaching career with the Memphis City Schools in 1971, and he currently teaches at Westwood High School. He has taught for 37 years. Rollin holds two advanced degrees in the arts. He earned a Masters of Teaching in Art Education and a Masters of Fine Arts in Painting from Memphis State University (now the University of Memphis). In his long artistic career, Rollin Kocsis has exhibited in juried exhibitions, group and solo shows throughout the United States. He has won a number of local, regional, and national awards. Rollin is an independent artist who is also represented by the Maison Rouge Galerie in Chicago, Illinois. Member DataMembership: exclusive member since Jul. 17, 2008 |
