BIO

Rhea Nowak received her BA from Bennington College in Printmaking and Painting, her MFA from the University of Connecticut in Printmaking and Drawing, and a Master Printer Certificate from Il Bisonte an international school of printmaking in Florence Italy. After teaching in Connecticut for a number of years she joined the Art Department faculty at SUNY College at Oneonta in the fall of 2007 where she teaches foundations and printmaking. Her prints, mixed media drawings, and unique books have been exhibited in juried and solo shows in both the U.S. and Europe. Her work involves ideas of continuity, chance, and change, and draws from such sources as Buddhist philosophy, musical composition and current scientific theories.

ARTIST STATEMENT

Different formats have always intrigued me both formally and metaphorically. A long narrow format in the horizontal is reminiscent of the horizon or a timeline, in the vertical it reaches into infinite space. I associate this long narrow format with continuity and interconnectedness and am reminded I am always part of a much greater whole, one so much greater than the human imagination that I am simultaneously humbled and inspired. The square format is a young circle- awkward to turn but able to have four orientations and maintain its shape. I often create squares out of long and narrow formats or build other shapes out of squares. It is in the process of taking things apart and rebuilding them that I see aspects and relationships in new and intriguing ways. This expands my perceptions of and actions in the world.

I am intrigued by the relationships between clarity and chaos, rhythm and awkwardness, mark and intention, presence and absence.

Rhea Nowak