Nicholas P. Kozis

About Nicholas

For more than two decades, Nicholas has pursued a successful career in digital animation and fine arts, as a professor, animator, director/producer of animation films and commercial products. His experience includes college level instruction, course and curriculum development in the United States and abroad, and production and promotion of professional shows and festivals. His films have won awards in a number of such venues. He also provides consultation in animation, design and illustration for both academic and commercial applications. Nicholas has received his bachelors in fine arts from the School of the Art Institute of Chicago and his masters of fine arts in experimental animation form the California Institute of the Arts. Currently artist in residency at the Hive Gallery in Los Angeles, where he continues to practice and promote his artwork along side other artists in the Los Angeles arts district.

Interview

ARTEOMAGAZINE N. 1 - December 2022

When did you develop an interest in art? What inspired you to enter the art field?

I was always painting from a young age. I’m not sure if I always wanted to be an artist, but I was always drawn to creative fields and people. I received my Bachelors in fine arts from the School of the Art Institute of Chicago and my Masters in Experimental Animation from the California Institute of the Arts. As a professor, I took a lot of pleasure teaching art to younger students and encouraging their growth. I’m happiest being engaged in creating work.

What is your motivation behind your works?

It depends on what I’m feeling at the time the paintings are being made. All the body of work I’ve made is a kind of visual diary. The paintings therein depict some good days, some rough. It’s all there for people to take in. I don’t think paintings should require explanation. If they are of any merit, the message should be able to be conveyed without any explanation. I do enjoy hearing what others think my work is about.

How does the creation process take place?

I spend a great deal of time outdoors here in Los Angeles, surfing, hiking and being out in the sun. Often, I’m taking photos and using them as sketches for paintings in the studio. I don’t know if I have a style, but people do seem to recognize my work. It’s a cocktail of different mediums. I will use photos, ink, pencils and paints. The concept of the work will dictate what materials I’ll use. Using different mediums, keeps the work fresh. Most of my work is digital

What do you want your art to convey to the people?

Everyone has a story to tell. People use their body language to tell it more often than words. I try and retell those stories that I see the model express in my work.

Nature fascinates me in all of its variety. A lot of what I paint is derived from my observation of people and places. People are by far the most interesting subject. How they relate to the space around them and how that space defines them is a source of endless fascination. I hope the audience finds that relationship and exciting as I do.