“Falls and Triumphs Series – Rescue from Mundane”
Oil on Canvas 48” x 48” by Katarzyna Kociomyk

Brush Strokes – The Artwork of Katarzyna Kociomyk

BY BRIAN G THORNTON, IIDA

Let me paint you a picture. A portrait of a talented and provocative woman. Imagine a writer with an artistic bent invited to script a piece focused on a fine art master painter. Then, visualize the imagery of a newcomer to Las Vegas whose blank canvas began in Bielsko – Biala, Poland, her hometown. Other than metropolitan cities like Warsaw, Kraków, or Gdańsk, plus one of my favorite vocalists, Basia Trzetrzelewska, this writer was unaware of the culture, sights, sounds, culinary taste, let alone the rich art history of Poland until meeting Katarzyna Kociomyk.

The first Impression was absolutely influenced by sight seen. Kasia [Kaz-chia], as she is known, is a statuesque woman with flowing brunette hair. Like her art, something intriguing compels one to know more of the story therein. Quite frankly, without establishing provenance of her craft, this master painter and her lifelong history in art is itself a painting beckoning appreciation of its complexity and beauty.

“Follow Me”
Oil on Canvas – 48” x 60” by Katarzyna Kociomyk

As we sat down for this interview, Kasia and her adoring husband and established art promoter, Wojtek Pilczynski, insisted we make this gathering less formal. The painting of this picture is a passionate conversation of their love of fine art, genuine hospitality and certainly their love of one another. Their minimal, yet elegant space populated by her stunning paintings set the tone for our studio visit. It was an evening at a private gallery experience. With music accompanying the tour, calm grey walls fade into background, then the art organically leapt off the walls. Focused lighting further enhanced each and every finite detail from the large lifelike paintings to the smallest of works as well. When asked if this was deliberate Kasia remarked “I believe that with good art in any space you don’t need much else. Just the simple functionality.”

As Kasia began to speak, I imagined her brush slowly, deliberately adding the basic background colors for which her story – this painting – would emanate. Kasia began to emote about childhood memories “I painted my first painting when I was four,” she recalled. She even joked about blue paint being everywhere even on herself. The oil paint and turpentine scents in the home were olfactory triggers of her father, a self-taught painter and artist in his own right.

“He was the first person who gave me art and art history lessons.” Her mother’s family history in weaving and textiles also influenced her art. Growing up in a very small apartment during the seventies further evokes visions of modest beginnings. She remarked that she never painted on a table, but always properly on an easel. As an only child, she literally got lost in her imagination – for escape, curiosity, and what was just around the corner. “Art was my escape at a very early stage of my life.”

“Getting Ready”
Acrylic on Canvas – 60” x 48” by Katarzyna Kociomyk

Her very finite, honed education began in primary school, then applying to and being selected for the art high school Art Lyceum, in Bielsko-Biala, and finally, a scholarship to Academy of Fine Arts Warsaw. Ironically in 1993, in the first year, a modeling agency representative noticed her not only for her artistic success, but her natural beauty. It was her commitment to her craft that helped a 19-year-old Kasia pursue her prestigious art training over modeling. Ford Models is one of the oldest and most respected international modeling houses based in New York. What a dilemma, yet following her dream was more important at that young age. It would be many years later that her talents would lead her to America.

“Falls and Triumphs Series – Looking Out For Myself”
Oil on Canvas 48” x 60” by Katarzyna Kociomyk

Her self-portrait is one of the most memorable pieces in what was about a tour of easily two dozen paintings displayed. I guardedly said “Kasia, that painting reminds me of you.” The piece, “Looking Out For Myself,” with three women in a spiraling vortex clearly could be mistaken as a photograph.

Her technique is eerily accurate. Looking at digital images of many of her pieces may often be mistaken for photography. The modeling of the human form and flattering detail she possesses is that of a master. Her understanding of form, lighting, perspective, color and even just the right amount of fantasy complete the picture. The fact that she was trained in the late 20th century in Europe is lost in the themes and efficacy of her imagination.

“I relax by painting. That’s what I do most of the time. I get stressed when I don’t feel like painting or I feel like I don’t accomplish my artistic goals fast enough. That’s very scary feeling.”

“Rebel”
Oil on Canvas – 72” x 72” by Katarzyna Kociomyk

It’s difficult to believe that one artist can possess such a broad range. “I use several painting and drawing techniques in different mediums on various surfaces and in multiple styles. I use numerous brush techniques… learned during my studies and perfected over the years using wide range of brush sizes and shapes.” Kasia continued, “In the last several years I mostly utilize combination of palette knives and brushes to achieve the desired effect.”

One very interesting technique is called impasto (thick paint application) and is employed in the painting “Rebel.” Each and every painting has meaning beyond the movement. Imagination is overtly tasked to transport you to someplace within her painted milieu.

“Flamenco High Fashion #4”
Oil on Canvas – 48” x 48” by Katarzyna Kociomyk

Following training and early adult life in Warsaw, Kasia was fortunate to meet the catalyst that has led her to America. After the Academy and marriage, as a young mother of two she began teaching art in her son’s school. That modest yet personal sacrifice would ultimately draw her abroad. “I initially came to the US for two weeks to establish a relationship with an Art Gallery in Vermont. I was introduced to it by my neighbor and parent of one of my students. The owner of the gallery was a brother of the parent I knew.”

That two-week excursion led to a permanent move and has shaped her life with now husband, Wojtek. Since 2009, they have travelled and established galleries while Kasia was constantly challenging herself with new subjects, styles and techniques.

“Sub Sequential Consequences of Neglecting Second Chance”
Oil on Canvas – 72” x 48” by Katarzyna Kociomyk

Today, Kociomyk is known as skillful master at the painterly effects. Her works appear in private collections in the United States, Canada, South America, Europe, Australia, and Asia. In addition to surrealism, still life, landscapes and cityscapes she has been commissioned to paint portraits as well. Of note, she was the first woman in history who painted an official portrait of legendary boxing great Muhammad Ali. Now immersed in her Las Vegas studio I wondered what’s next and how this new chapter of her life will influence her creativity.

Katarzyna Kociomyk

“I don’t believe it was anything in particular that influenced me. My mind runs on high all the time with new ideas I want to paint and so often I need to slow my mind down to create something of commercial appearance. Being a professional artist and staying afloat internationally is a very difficult task. There is so much going on behind the scene besides creating a work of art that one needs to be wise to keep going as an artist and in the same stay true to her or his identity and integrity.”

“Falls and Triumphs Series – Walking Toward Light”
Oil on Canvas 48” x 48” by Katarzyna Kociomyk

Kociomyk added “Growing up in a communist country was very hard for majority of people. It made me very resilient to failures and established appreciation for hard work and perseverance. I knew I wanted to be an artist since I was four years old and I quietly was determined to go against all odds. So far I am enduring the challenge…”

So, if you don’t get the picture yet. Each and every piece is a portal into her ever evolving life.

Open your eyes to the colorful and imaginative world of Katarzyna Kociomyk, artist.