"My elementary school teacher, Ms. Fry made a passing comment that has kept with me. She said that we will never really know who we are and will spend a lifetime searching for who we are. I doubt that she thought much of such a statement - but it lodged in my mind permanently. My artwork is a constant search for self from my early crayon-colored rocks to today’s fine art photographic work. My art is my way of attempting to understand myself and the world around me."
This work is from a group of drawings that collectively explore the concept of moving. Unbeknown to the viewer is whether or not occupants of these interior spaces are packing or unpacking; coming or going. Will that unpacked box of books collecting dust on the top shelf of our bedroom closet ever reach its destination; will it ever be unpacked?
Adapting to being in my body and being led by not just my eyes, but all the senses has provided me a path to experiencing the world purely and thoroughly. In a gallery, walking down the street, or tromping around in the wilderness- I began the practice of emptying my mind of language and filling it with light and air.
“As an artist I have always felt my task is not to create meaning, but to charge the air so that meaning can occur.” – Todd Hido
"I work predominantly in mixed-media paintings, drawings, and artist's books. My studio practice takes a meditative focus to explore relationships between drawing, piano, and Cantonese. Born and raised in Hong Kong, I listened to a variety of music and languages; I value freedom and creativity. My research interests focus on incorporating as many voices and ways of mark-making as possible to form a body of work.
Joe Morzuch is an observational painter currently residing in Starkville, MS. In addition to his studio work, which deals primarily with the still life and self-portrait, he is an Assistant Professor at Mississippi State University. In 2006 he received his MFA from Southern Illinois University Carbondale. He has taught at the college level for nearly 20 years, teaching courses in foundations, drawing, and painting. His work has been exhibited nation-wide and abroad.
"March 2020: landed in the city. Governor declares State of Emergency. Shutdown. Lockdown in tiny studio apartment. Unsettled and sheltering together. Retreated. Days turned into nights into weeks. Drew until wee hours. 70s hits. YouTube on iPhone. Diana Ross, love hangover. Started slow, turned disco. Letting loose."
,
We'll supply the sidewalk chalk; you transfer your visions onto the pavement. From Hailing State to abstracted forms to a good ol' hopscotch; make whatever you want and HAVE FUN!
Open to the public!