“I believe in a primordial sisterhood of women that links them beyond social and territorial boundaries." — Dorothy Kavka
Dorothy Kavka sees herself as an artist who is a chronicler of women: “…both in the roles they are made to assume within their societies and their historical reality. I believe in a primordial sisterhood of women that links them beyond social and territorial boundaries. The ‘other,’ or cultural diversity becomes the guise they assume that is demanded by their fathers, husbands, religious leaders, and lawmakers. My work explores the tension created by the existence of these forces on every woman.”
Kavka was accepted into a prestigious Women's Gallery Show in Chicago and in exhibits at the Kaviar Gallery and the Gallery Janjobe in Louisville. Recently, she won first place at the Jewish Community Center's 12th Annual Mazin Art Exhibition, juried by Joey Yates from the Kentucky Museum of Art and Craft.
"Mood" by Dorothy Kavka
When did you first think you would be an artist?
I always knew I would be an artist. Even as a young child, I was always drawing, I took classes at the Art Institute of Chicago (giving up ballet because my parents could not afford both classes), and saved a few of the drawings from those classes; it still amazes me that I could do such detailed work at that age.
Who or what inspires you now?
Knowing that people like what I do inspires me. I just won first place at the Mazin Juried Art Exhibit, and that was a real thrill.
You describe yourself as a “chronicler of women” as regards how they are viewed by society. How do you feel your representation of the human figure captures that?
I find that although I have a number of studies of men, my focus has always been on women. That may be because in the workshops I took, we usually had women models. Then again, I guess I just find women more interesting.
Among the images here are nude studies of women. How does your work avoid some of the objectification of the female form that is still so common?
I don't know. I just draw and paint what I feel at the time I do the work.
"Nude X" by Dorothy Kavka
What are you reading right now?
I am reading a book about George Washington and about to read “The Bone Clocks” by David Mitchell, who also wrote “Cloud Atlas”. I was an English teacher, and I do enjoy a good book.
Tell us about an important moment of transition for you as an artist?
I think that it happened as an adult, when I was able to start taking workshops with well-known Chicago artists, such as Ed Paschke and Lillian Desow Fishbein. They never tried to "fix" my work by drawing or painting over them, but would offer suggestions that allowed me to discover for myself what I need to do.
"Garden Party" by Dorothy Kavka
If you could do anything else but make art, what would it be?
I need to do art; it is a calling that I cannot ignore.
Has your style changed or evolved over the years? If so what do you think influenced this?
Yes, my art has changed over the years. Remember that I started art classes when I was a teenager. However, I did not begin to really take my art seriously until I started workshops with Chicago artists. At first I was doing realistic drawings and paintings - which were good, but somehow not fulfilling. Then, I began to work into them, changing the focus, and suddenly I found my stride.
Does art have a purpose? If so what is it?
This may sound trite, but I feel that art is the one thing that makes life enjoyable.
Hometown: Chicago, Illinois Age: 76 Education: BA in English Language & Literature, University of Chicago; MA in English; University of Wisconsin; studied at Art Institute of Chicago and in private workshops with Ed Paschke and Lillian Desow Fishbein
"People need to be educated about the value of art." — David Iacovazzi-Pau
David Iacovazzi-Pau: Photo by Michael Brohm
David Iacovazzi-Pau’s work focuses on the human figure and is a visual diary of the people he encounters. His series reveal different aspects of the sitters and the link between their physical appearance and personality. “My aim is to portray idiosyncrasies and evoke the mood of the subject in order for the portrait to have an accurate likeness and affect. The work reflects what I sense about a person and is a documentation of my community.”
Born 1978 in Luxembourg, Iacovazzi-Pau began his education in fine arts from the age of 15 in Belgium. He later attended the Centre Académique des Arts in Luxembourg and immigrated to the United States in 1997, studying at Indiana University Southeast. He currently lives and works in Louisville, Kentucky.
When did you first think you would be an artist?
I don’t recall a specific time or moment. Over the years I gradually felt I was one. It was obvious early on that I was not going to be a mathematician …
If you could do anything else but make art, what would it be?
Probably something related to art history. Then again running a vineyard could be fun too.
"Little Miss Flint" ("Conversation with Teddy Abrams" Series) by David Iacovazzi-Pau, 12x8.5in, Ink drawing and inkjet on paper (2016)—5999 ink lines representing the amount of children that were affected by lead in Flint's tap water.
What frightens you the most?
Crowd manipulation, albeit interesting, is frightening. I also have a phobia of reptiles, especially snakes.
What is your favorite music to listen to when making art?
That varies, a lot of jazz and classical. Sometimes I turn on the French news for a while. And sometimes silence seems to be my preference.
Favorite movie?
A Pure Formality by Giuseppe Tornatore, starring Roman Polanski and Gérard Depardieu.
What are you reading right now?
“Portraits by Ingres: Image of an Epoch", and the Philip Guston Retrospective (2003) catalogue.
"Self Portrait with Maya (in the studio)" by David Iacovazzi-Pau, 30x24in, oil on paper (2016)
If you were given a $100,000 what would do with it?
I'll let you know when I get the $100,000.
What advice would you give a young artist just out of college?
I would encourage them to see as much artwork as they can whether it's in museums, galleries, or studios. Contemporary art as well as historical are fabulous sources of inspiration. Also, don't worry about fitting in, paint for yourself and make artwork that excites you.
What does art mean to you?
Art means different things to me. I was lucky to be encouraged to draw and paint from a young age, so it has become a way of life. As an artist I’m working within my own means and in the process there's self-doubt, frustrations and disappointment but in spite of it all, I enjoy working things out in a painting. It gives me a sense of freedom and purpose when I'm engaged with it.
"Teddy #2" ("Conversation with Teddy Abrams" Series) by David Iacovazzi-Pau, 24x18in, graphite on paper (2016)
If you could have a talent that you currently don't already have what would it be and why?
Having the skills to be an eloquent orator would be my first choice. It makes things a lot easier if you are able to articulate your thoughts well.
How do you feel about the local art scene in Louisville? Would you change anything about it?
The amount of local artists is increasing and they are good. The problem is that there are just not enough buyers to sustain it. Galleries will close and artists will continue to struggle (nothing new here) but also move away as long as we don't see any changes. People need to be educated about the value of art. They will then in turn invest in the local visual art scene.
A photo from David's studio (2016)
Has your style changed or evolved over the years? If so what do you think influenced this?
Yes, it did. Probably because of being exposed to different styles and new artists. Also, making mistakes can take you to uncharted territories; you can learn and grow from it. I like to think that I did. But I think progress and change mainly comes from working. Chuck Close has a great quote, "Inspiration is for amateurs, the rest of us just show up and get to work."
What do you feel is your greatest flaw?
I tend to obsess over things and I can be stubborn, that's the Breton in me.
Name: David Iacovazzi-Pau Hometown: Grand Duchy of Luxembourg Age: 37 Education: Centre Académique des Arts in Luxembourg and Indiana University Southeast Website:http://www.davidiacovazzipau.com/ Gallery Representative: Swanson Contemporary Gallery
"Teddy #3" ("Conversation with Teddy Abrams" Series) by David Iacovazzi-Pau, 24x18in, oil on paper (2016)
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