Respect the Artist Interview with SB Kosinski
How did you get into art?
I got into the picture making part of art through Bob Ross and my own ability to be resourceful. I use anything for art. My Grandfather and Dad would leave Bob Ross on TV and fall asleep. I would sit there and absorb everything as young as 4 or 5. This was before the internet so this was probably one of my few resources for picture making I had. I don't remember ever not being into art. When I was two I also vividly remember ripping up an illustrated bible because I wanted to rearrange the pictures. Collage still comes easily to me today. I was always the kid doodling.
What did you do to advance your skills/knowledge?
I learned from whomever I could that could draw or paint or color well I encountered growing up; from a nurse at my moms job that would draw cartoons to those lanyards kids make in camp just hanging places where everyone was making stuff and not judging each other. Even when I did a short attempt at gymnastics at around 11 I kept a milky pen hidden on me and would draw on my arm. The coach hated it.
Only when I got to college at FIT was when I was finally in a formal figure drawing, composition, image creating environment. When I first started nothing we made was precious it was just about learning to see your subject better learn mediums and draw. That was kind of freeing that not everything is supposed to be a masterpiece.
What’s your prefer use of medium? (paint, Ink, digital)
I don't prefer any medium really. I work in mixed medium and found objects. Certain illustration jobs will call for ink or certain paint for murals and I work within that commercially. I find I prefer colors and textures over mediums. My goal with much of my personal work is to use mediums in a way they aren't recognizable any more. I want the viewer to stop a moment and question reality.
Do you have an Artist name? How did you get your Artist name?
My full name is so long and every class Ive been in or party I go to there is at least four Stephanies with as many different spellings. I hated my name for years. I've had many nicknames and tag names. To sign my work I just use my 1st two initials and last name SB KOSINSKI. SB does not stand for 'skate board' or 'small bat' or 'some beans' or whatever you can come up with though it is kind of fun.
Who inspires you?
Currently Im devouring the comics and commercial work Michael Deforge does. The work is really honest and colorful within these abstract subjects and simplified figures. Im also inspired by dancers, performance artists, animals, street garbage, 99 cent stores, children, history, math, science I really don't know whats going to inspire me next and I think thats why I keep going theres always something new I want to communicate.
What is your goal when you make art?
1.To make myself laugh. 2. To connect with you emotionally
What's your go to song right now?
Ive been toying with the idea of mixing the original Doom I and Doom II soundtracks into dance/ trance music so Ive been listening to that on repeat as research. There is a fantastic video of Tim Allen from Home Improvement in the 90s pasted on every surface and sound in the Doom game. I highly recommend it https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Ji9qSuQapFY
What is your dream as an artist?
1.)To create for life without feeling exploited / exploiting others.
2.)To keep learning and evolving.
What is some advice you would give to someone with a dream to become an artist?
Always have a few different types of artists you look up to. Research how they achieved 'success.' (whatever that means to you) Community is so important.
EXPERIMENT and get out of your comfort zone. Read and do things outside of art to recharge. Your art may become a fishing pole for new friends.
Where can people find you? (social media, website, etc)
My instagram is @sbkosinski
Website is sbkosinski.info