Stephanie Kossmann

About

Artist statement

I’m inspired by the power of color to alter and enhance mood. I work directly on supports using my hands and fingers, engaging directly with the texture of the paint. By applying a dozen or more layers of oil paint my works play with translucence and light refraction and how the particles of pigment and facets of medium affect our perception of depth and movement. I use open forms to flow between chaos and calm and gestural lines to provide structure and focus. In 2025, I began developing a technique that produces a parallax-like effect which I liken to the eyes in portraiture that follow the observer. After creating 4 proof-of-concept paintings I began a new series this year which is focused on the tonal complexity and luminosity of human skin. Through abstraction of skin tones, I’m exploring racial and ethnic diversity and inclusivity in Art. In portraiture, I integrate Appreciative Inquiry as an essential part of my process. I’ve abandoned physical likenesses and base the portraits on written interviews with my subjects. The portraits are narratives of resilience, self-discovery, and personal growth. The process creates a transformative dialogue between me and my portrait sitter, illuminating not only who they are, but who they are becoming. I’ve been exploring small static and kinetic sculptures for the past year. I’m drawn to working dimensionally, the physical and emotional intimacy of intricate details, the required precision, and the tactile qualities of the materials. The fascination extends from me as a maker to the patrons interacting with the artworks. I create static and kinetic sculptures using a combination of organic and human-made materials. I use twigs, reeds, glass, copper, sausage casings, and stone, and weave copper and reclaimed piano wire. I enhance the surfaces of these pieces with intentional patinas, evoking the passage of time and the layers of history embedded in their forms.