Matthew Derezinski, Kassandra Mattia & Lissa Bockrath – Midwest vs West Art Exhibition

Midwest vs West Art Exhibition – Artist Portfolio Magazine

Matthew Derezinski – Kirksville, MO

Currently teaching at Truman State University, as an Associate Professor in the Visual Communications concentration were I have taught intro to advance courses and Foundations.

As a designer I work in many areas of Visual Communication from print, web, motion and anima­tion.  In past few years my work has been directed towards photographic manipulated imagery.  This work incorporates layers of textural and organic imagery that draws upon my interest in decaying architecture, nature and the Mid-Western landscape in which I live.  This imagery, rich in personally derived symbolism, is organized into mystical and mysterious landscapes.  While the stories created in the work are not explicit, I incorporate symbols that, like signposts, encourage the viewer to navigate the implied narratives in their own way, based on their own personal experience.  This work recently has been exhibited in Regional, National and International shows.

Before coming to Truman, I taught at Emporia State University, as an Assistant Professor and Head of the Graphic Design area.  I was responsible for teaching all of the Graphic Design courses at Emporia State University. In my beginning-level courses, I helped students understand the visual language of design, through hands on projects using traditional and digital media.  In intermediate courses, students develop further knowledge of the software, as well as learn professional printing processes.  My hope is that students start becoming self-aware and begin to develop their own aesthetic.  In the upper division courses, I emphasize theoretical practice as well facilitate the building of their portfolio to prepare them for a career in a corporate environment.

Kassandra Mattia – Green Bay, WI

Lissa Bockrath – Chargrin Falls, OH

My current body of work is a direct reflection of our changing environment. It is impossible to overlook the profound link between man’s impact on earth and the volatile weather we are experiencing.  My new work addresses this change as it is manifested in tsunamis, hurricanes, wildfires and the altered landscape of our planet.  I have been impacted by powerful images and firsthand observations of these extreme weather patterns and their impact on earth and mankind. Some pieces depict the tension from a momentary confrontation while others reflect the aftermath of this tumultuous conflict. Once inspired by these natural occurrences, I work from a stream of consciousness that often takes my work in unexpected directions.  These landscapes seek to accentuate the balance between the turbulence of our altered atmosphere and the peace that emanates from the landscape’s inherent beauty.