Get to know talented local artist Joseph Podlesnik, a seasoned artist who has been creating stunning artwork in a variety of mediums including drawing, painting and most recently photography.
Presently he is focused on digital photography, recently creating a beautiful new series of work titled PHOENIX, which literally features photographs shot in Phoenix about Phoenix. His artwork reveals excellent technique, intriguing subject matter, and an ability to capture raw energy and emotion within his photography. The viewer is drawn into each photograph through his captivating imagery shown through a fresh and intriguing lens focusing us to drop our preconceived notions and memories of Phoenix, challenging us to see beyond the lens per say. His photographs are engaging and as an artist Podlesnik concentrates on the process and his environment “I try to notice the coming together of architecture, sky, and forms that typify my locale; what matters is organization in the frame, not just the reality before me”, says Podlesnik.
Traditionally trained with a BFA in Drawing and Painting from University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee and an MFA in Drawing and Painting from Cornell University. He is currently an Associate Professor of Art Foundations at the Art Institute of Pittsburgh - Online Division, Adjunct Professor of Art at the Richard Stockton College of New Jersey and as Adjunct Lecturer at Paradise Valley Community College. Podlesnik is a member of the Arizona Artists Guild, he has exhibited his artwork extensively across the country and has had his work featured in numerous publications.
Podlesnik recently self-published an 86 page black and white and color photography book titled “PHOENIX: Photographs by Joseph Podlesnik”. Currently Podlesnik has an exhibition of his work from his book PHOENIX, showcasing a small selection of photographs featuring dazzling imagery that is pure, unusual, complicated and at times perplexing to the eye.
Don’t miss this striking photography exhibition, which opens to the public this Friday, January 2nd in Bokeh Gallery at the monOrchid and will be on view until January 28th. The artist reception will be held on Third Friday, January 16th from 6-10pm with the artist giving a brief talk, as well as the signing of his recently published book. Also have you ever wanted to learn more about digital photography? Shade Projects will be hosting “Seeing Through a Lens” a workshop with Podlesnik on January 17th from 12-3pm for $10 at the monOrchid. Next up Podlesnik work will be traveling to the Riverfront Renaissance Center for the Arts in Millville, New Jersey, May of 2015. Be sure to check out more of Podlesnik’s work at http://josephpodlesnik.com. *Photography courtesy of the artist Joseph Podlesnik and Christopher OShana.
