artwork – nik uzunovski

Firing On All Cylinders

Posted on 15/04/201315/04/2013 by nikuzo87 in Exhibitions

This is my third group show in almost as many months. After I had finished University last year and graduated, I had said to myself that I would aim for several shows, group and solo and at least one show in a Sydney gallery. Well I managed to accomplish most of those goals, with a solo show on the way later in the year. This current show which I am exhibiting in is a group show, showcasing the work of the newly elected management committee of the Project Contemporary Art space in Wollongong. The gallery was under threat of being closed down for good, so a new group of individuals came together to save the space so that there would be a place for contemporary art to be exhibited and sold in the Illawarra.

I also co-curated the show along side fellow artist Damian Bancks. The curatorial thinking was to show each artists work on their own, rather than mixing the works together, which could have also worked and would have made for an extremely interesting and wonderful show, however, we felt it necessary to show each artist work by giving them a decent amount of wall space each, followed by a smaller wall being occupied by a series of bio’s which informed everyone a little about who they were and of their practice. It is always a triumph when an artist sells there work, it means that their hard work and dedication has quite literally paid off, I’m not afraid to say that the creative arts industry is a hard one to break into and become a success; being able to live solely by selling your work. I have sold works in the past, but this was the first time I had sold work before the show opened and also sold multiple works on the opening night. I cannot begin to describe the joy that this brought me, the feeling of success. Firstly I paint and create art for myself, however the act of exhibiting is a way of putting out the thing you have created to be seen, critiqued and enjoyed by an audience. And you won’t always receive the best feedback, but that’s all apart of the creative process. Selling works gives you the sense that you have achieved something, that you were successful in creating something that caught the attention and admiration of someone, the work resonated with them for whatever reason.

Being still relatively young most would say that I have a very long way to go in the world of art, as an artist and as an exhibitor and even as a person in general. It’s moments like this that seem to make it all seem worthwhile, you know that you have had a hard road to traverse and will undoubtedly continue to experience a plethora of hardships, especially in this day and age where art has to compete more than ever against new age forms of entertainment; some newer than others. However hard the road is, it’s always worth the journey. And even though I like to think that my journey started seven years ago when I first walked in my first life drawing class while I was at TAFE art school, I see this moment as a milestone along the path to greatness and success.

Enjoy the pics from the opening night along with some images of some of the work I am exhibiting an get along to see the show if you’re in the Wollongong area before the 21st of April. And please take the time to visit and like my artists page on Facebook, plenty of content on there (link below)

https://www.facebook.com/pages/Nik-Uzunovski-Artist/225201424159742

Ink on paper

Posted on 12/09/2012 by nikuzo87 in Creative Practice

I recently made a post about how I came across some discounted frames that really seemed to lift the quality and appearance of my work. This post is a follow up on what I posted about recently. The work I am posting here are a series of ink on paper works that have been developing over time. The process contains several parts, often taking several days to complete; due to drying time. Even though ink dries relatively quickly it is quite easy to end up with a dark mess on paper. So rather than painting and drawing onto the paper continuously I start off with a watered down wash, where I mix about 1/4 parts ink with 3/4; or there about, it’s not always an exact science and I often feel my way through. Then I use a variety of ink and water colour brushes to establish a think, washy layer on the paper.

After this thin wash has dried I come back with full ink and begin to apply it to the surface of the paper with brush, quill and just about any other drawing material available in the studio; even using sticks and twigs can really create some interesting marks. Then I come back while the ink is still wet and apply some diluted ink onto the paper, creating a blurring effect, often seen in water colour, though I try not to do this all over, as it can result in a completely washed out appearance and wrecks the work.

Before framing the work I begin the process of visually editing what I have before me. Using the cut out mat I find the most interesting areas of the work and then I cut this out of the larger composition. Creating a new visual context, taking a part of a larger work, sometimes created by chance; when I flick and throw ink onto the paper, and editing it in a way that the work retains it’s integrity and develops a whole new life and identity once it has been framed up and is ready to hang. I will now leave you with some more images of my work

Framing Works on Paper

Posted on 10/09/2012 by nikuzo87 in Creative Practice

I have recently invested in some rather cheap frames, readily available from just about any value or variety shop. They aren’t of the best quality, however, if you’re a young and or emerging artist, chances are that you are low on funds. These value frames are an affordable way to make your work on paper look very professional. Having framed examples of your work is great, just in case you need to submit work to a show or prize on short notice, and also if you have the work in your studio and home it is always a great talking piece for when you have guests and prospective buyers around. Alternatively you can pay an arm and a leg for professional framing which is also well worth it, however if you are like me and low on available funds, though require work that is presentable, then the less expensive frames are the way to go. I have included some examples of the frames I have purchased. I will definitely be paying another visit to my local variety store.