Kirk Chernansky is a graduate of the University of Kansas School of Design. Following graduation, she worked for 15 years in advertising art direction that took her to New York where she honed conceptual and design skills at the School of Visual Arts. In 1995 she made the leap to Social Work acquiring a Master of Arts Degree from the University of Chicago and in 2007 began taking art therapy courses at Northwestern that bridged the two paths. Kirk’s artwork combines the conceptual skills of a commercial artist with themes inspired by her previous work as a therapist and personal experience of coping with change..
Artist: B. Kirk Chernansky
Based in Chicago, Illinois, USA
Website:
www.ephemeralartbykirk.com
Culturally Arts Collective features:
"Beyond the Veil", May 29-July 30 2021, Milostka Center for Exhibitions
What do you aim to say by the themes in your art?
My visuals often take on the look of a storyboard using words and symbols to enhance the narrative. Themes focus on change and reflections from the past. The goal is to bring synthesis to past and present, with both an acceptance of the way things are and the need for change. My art reflects a search for peace in a polarized world.
Where does your inspiration come from?
My artwork reflects a combination of my two careers as an art director in the field of advertising and as a therapist in the field of mental health. As an art director, I learned that images communicate faster than words. As a therapist, applying art therapy techniques, I learned that art expresses what words alone cannot.
Do you have experiences that impacted your art?
The most amazing experience in my life was the birth of my daughter. It brought about a reassessment of my priorities and the role of motherhood transformed my identity as a wife and breadwinner. It precipitated not only a change in careers but stimulated a new creative desire to pursue my art outside the confines of the commercial world.
Do you feel your art challenges existing barriers?
Any barriers that I’m up against are primarily cognitive in nature. Art challenges me to create from a place deep within. It builds insight. I learn from my creative process to overcome the barriers of judgmental thinking and negativity that get in the way of creativity.
What are your long-term artistic goals?
My only goal is to let my work be guided by the Great Creator. Creativity is a gift from God. Using it is our gift back to Her. “That creative force has the power to alter lives, fulfill destinies, and answer our dreams.” – Meditations from the Artist’s Way by Julia Cameron
What advice do you have for aspiring artists?
As you create and listen, you will be led. (That’s the third of twelve creative affirmations from "Meditations from the Artist’s Way." It’s worth reading!)
