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.
| visual_art_review__stephanie_kossmann__healing_portraits_from_the_inside___vermont_arts___timesargus.com.pdf |
L-R:
Sold - Portraits of Nicole;
Sold - Portraits of Kristen;
Portraits of Anonymous (Warrior Woman);
Portraits of Joanne;
Portraits of Anonymous (Fern, Clover, Thorn);
Portraits of Savvy;
Portraits of Anonymous (Endurance at all Costs)
L-R:
Portraits of Anonymous (Middle of the Road Eccentric);
Portraits of Janice; Sold -
Portraits of Mary
L-R:
Sold - Portraits of Dee (Beautiful Mess);
Two of four sold - Portraits of Anonymous (Ordinary Woman Having an Extraordinary Adventure);
Sold - Portraits of Anonymous (Bravery Resting in Beauty)
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.
Infuse
Work in process for Summer 2025
2024-2025
2025 June 21-July 27
S. Kossmann, Infuse, The Ice House Gallery, The Grace Arts Centre, Tatamagouche, NS
Kossmann is exploring abstract emotional and internal landscapes and the physical sensations of temperature, scent, and humidity. Oil paints, etching inks, and cold wax offer luscious tactile qualities as well as deep saturated colors. From miniature works to more than 72", the oil paintings are on cradled panels and canvas.
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. Infuse is evolving by painting then entirely concealing several layers of underpaintings, then scraping to reveal hints of what lies underneath. The process creates intriguing textures and gradient transitions and invites imaginations to wander. Each artwork resonates with a sense of history and possibility.
2025 June 21-July 27
S. Kossmann, Infuse, The Ice House Gallery, The Grace Arts Centre, Tatamagouche, NS
Kossmann is exploring abstract emotional and internal landscapes and the physical sensations of temperature, scent, and humidity. Oil paints, etching inks, and cold wax offer luscious tactile qualities as well as deep saturated colors. From miniature works to more than 72", the oil paintings are on cradled panels and canvas.
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. Infuse is evolving by painting then entirely concealing several layers of underpaintings, then scraping to reveal hints of what lies underneath. The process creates intriguing textures and gradient transitions and invites imaginations to wander. Each artwork resonates with a sense of history and possibility.
