Infuse
2025 work in progress
2025 June 21-July 27
S. Kossmann, Infuse, The Ice House Gallery, The Grace Arts Centre, Tatamagouche, NS
In December 2024, Kossmann embarked on a new body of oil paintings that mimic an archaeological dig—layering, concealing, and then revealing dramatically transformed landscapes. By sanding, scraping, and dissolving layers of paint, she will excavate the painted surface to create rich textures that echo the original landscape and reflect the complex interplay between nature and human experience. The exhibit will challenge viewers to explore the visible while contemplating what lies hidden beneath and what may emerge next.
Kossmann typically paints with her hands to connect her creativity directly with her materials. She trusts her many-layered process to reveal a relationship between form, space, and perception. Oil paints, etching inks, and cold wax offer luscious tactile qualities as well as deep saturated colors. From miniature works to 96" high, the oil paintings are on cradled panels and canvas.
To prepare for the main body of work, she completed fifteen small oil studies (with varried levels of success) to refine her techniques and confirm the scale and materials for the exhibit. This exploration has unveiled the potential for both thrilling discoveries and challenges.
2025 June 21-July 27
S. Kossmann, Infuse, The Ice House Gallery, The Grace Arts Centre, Tatamagouche, NS
In December 2024, Kossmann embarked on a new body of oil paintings that mimic an archaeological dig—layering, concealing, and then revealing dramatically transformed landscapes. By sanding, scraping, and dissolving layers of paint, she will excavate the painted surface to create rich textures that echo the original landscape and reflect the complex interplay between nature and human experience. The exhibit will challenge viewers to explore the visible while contemplating what lies hidden beneath and what may emerge next.
Kossmann typically paints with her hands to connect her creativity directly with her materials. She trusts her many-layered process to reveal a relationship between form, space, and perception. Oil paints, etching inks, and cold wax offer luscious tactile qualities as well as deep saturated colors. From miniature works to 96" high, the oil paintings are on cradled panels and canvas.
To prepare for the main body of work, she completed fifteen small oil studies (with varried levels of success) to refine her techniques and confirm the scale and materials for the exhibit. This exploration has unveiled the potential for both thrilling discoveries and challenges.
Breathing Space
2022-2024
2024 Nov 30-Dec 20
S. Kossmann, Breathing Space, Chapel Gallery, Artsplace, Annapolis Royal, NS
Using spreadsheets, word clouds, and her own observations, Kossmann identified the common themes shared by Living Space participants. Breathing Space explores the portrait sitters' connections to earth and atmosphere, sensuality and intimacy, resilience and growth, and the spirit of living spontaneously and joyfully.
2024 Nov 30-Dec 20
S. Kossmann, Breathing Space, Chapel Gallery, Artsplace, Annapolis Royal, NS
Using spreadsheets, word clouds, and her own observations, Kossmann identified the common themes shared by Living Space participants. Breathing Space explores the portrait sitters' connections to earth and atmosphere, sensuality and intimacy, resilience and growth, and the spirit of living spontaneously and joyfully.
Living Space; Portraits through Appreciative Inquiry
2018-2022
2019
S. Kossmann, The 3:30 Project, Southern Vermont Arts Center, Manchester VT
2022
S. Kossmann, Living Space:Portraits through Appreciative Inquiry, Nuquist Gallery, Montpelier, VT
Living Space featured 120 abstract portraits inspired by interviews with 30 survivors of complex relational and sexual abuse. Utilizing a collaborative approach, this project emphasized strengths and aspirations, allowing participants to share their journeys of healing and resilience through reflective writing. Kossmann interpreted each participant’s written responses to a set of prompts to create the abstract portraits. Participants were invited to title their paintings and choose anonymity, a name, or nickname during discussions of the project.
2019
S. Kossmann, The 3:30 Project, Southern Vermont Arts Center, Manchester VT
2022
S. Kossmann, Living Space:Portraits through Appreciative Inquiry, Nuquist Gallery, Montpelier, VT
Living Space featured 120 abstract portraits inspired by interviews with 30 survivors of complex relational and sexual abuse. Utilizing a collaborative approach, this project emphasized strengths and aspirations, allowing participants to share their journeys of healing and resilience through reflective writing. Kossmann interpreted each participant’s written responses to a set of prompts to create the abstract portraits. Participants were invited to title their paintings and choose anonymity, a name, or nickname during discussions of the project.