KK first studied painting in high school, before deciding on Architecture as her major at the University of Virginia. This was not to be; as it wasn’t long before Kozik realized her real passion was in painting. She graduated with an art degree, and went on to earn her Master’s Degree at Syracuse Univeristy.
Kozik’s paintings are almost cinematic in their scenework. Each one delivers a snapshot of what must be an intriguing larger story. Reminiscent of Hitchcock, of 50s and 60s spy thrillers and a living art deco asthetic; KK’s artwork was at once compelling and demure. Her training in architecture came through clearly. “I tried to emphasize the abstract qualities,” she offered, “the size and shape. The pure geometry of it.”
Her use of color, light and space ensnare the eye. I felt like a voyeur, seeing some of her paintings, which evoked private moments not meant to be intruded on. In The Assassins, a redhead sits smoking, her foot perched atop a box taped shut. I had to know: “What’s in the box?” Kozik shook her head, not hazarding a guess. So, I did. “A bag full of money? A time bomb? The heart of an ex-lover?” KK laughed, surprise lighting up her entire face. “That one.” she laughed.
The exhibition wouldn’t have been possible if not for Tatyana Okshteyn, owner and director of Black & White. Okshteyn has always loved art, but claims never to have had the gift herself. I asked her what drew her to owning her own gallery, and she smiled with a shrug. “I married an artist. I was always drawn to artists. I wanted to be involved in their work.”
She first encountered Kozik when KK offered to curate her outdoor gallery in Williamsburg. Naturally, Okshteyn asked to see some of Kozik’s own work… the rest was history. They’ve co-hosted three shows together since. Of Kozik’s work, the Tatyana said, “They’re very smart, very quirky. I like her imagination and the scenarios she comes up with. She has her own distinct mark.”
Johnny Cash and other music from the 50s and 60s floated through the gallery. Fellow artists, appreciators and old friends of KK were there to celebrate her latest achievement. Kozik’s husband, Scott Stiffler, was present to share in his wife’s success. “I’ve seen her work grow up in a much smaller environment. It’s nice to see them in such a large, open space.” Stiffler, an engineer, has three children with KK, two girls and a boy.
The night was a success in more ways than one. Velvet Fog sold right in front of me, and it wasn’t the first to go. The gallery has sold a number of works since the show opened January 21st. I asked KK what she wanted to achieve, that night. She shrugged and answered plainly: “We’d like to send people home to send money to Haiti.”
More information on Heifer International can be found at www.heifer.org. The Black & White Gallery can be seen online at www.blackandwhiteartgallery.com. KK Kozik’s artwork can also be seen on her own site; http://k2kozik.net/.
