Artist Spotlight

BY LYCA BLUME

In this ongoing series, we are delighted to introduce you to two more of the many artists who are part of Concord’s thriving art scene. For more on what’s happening this summer in the arts, turn to “Arts Around Town” on p. 62.

KEVIN KUSIOLEK

Kevin Kusiolek

Courtesy of Three Stones Gallery

If a city commissioned a portrait of itself, Kevin Kusiolek would be the artist to capture its essence. From the striking presence of the buildings to the subtle shadows and blurs that describe the movements on the street, Kusiolek’s work is bold and daring. A current resident of Maynard, MA, who was born in Pennsylvania and raised in Maryland, Kusiolek holds a BS from Towson University. Working in healthcare brought Kusiolek to Boston, where he serves as the director of patient and equipment transportation at Brigham and Women’s Hospital. Since he was young, the creative fire has burned in Kusiolek, and mentors continued to encourage his talents throughout his higher education. In college, Kusiolek transitioned from plein air nature paintings to the mystique of the urban landscape. His love of architecture drew him to explore the movement of energy through constructed spaces. He is inspired by an array of artists including Jeremy Mann, who explored the balance between abstraction and realism using unconventional tools other than the brush. The relevance of making art is fundamental for Kusiolek, carrying the wisdom of tradition and capturing a world in flux. In his own words, “I believe art is the most genuine and rewarding way to express myself and my vision to the world.” Kusiolek is a represented artist at Three Stones Gallery in Concord, where his work is on view throughout the year.

Courtesy of Three Stones Gallery

JENNIFER M. JOHNSTON

Jennifer M. Johnston

Courtesy of Three Stones Gallery

Co-existing as a gallery proprietor and creator of artwork is a fine balancing act of the analytical and spontaneous mind. Jennifer M. Johnston is a stellar example of precisely that. Originally from Buffalo, NY, she earned a master’s degree in Expressive Therapy from Lesley University and raised her family in West Concord. As an artist, Johnston specializes in photography, with an uncanny ability to see the details of the natural world in an abstract way. In talking about capturing a moment she notes, “Knowing I can rarely be successful, I always aim for the kernel of mystery in what I am photographing.” There is always a hint of the unknown, the undefinable, the everlasting, in the photographs Johnston creates. She describes this natural X-factor as looking for “the different ways that the divine vibrates.” Among her influences are photographers Julia Margaret Cameron and Eugene Atget, who also explored the seen and unseen with their images. On being an artist and owner of Three Stones Gallery, Johnston’s favorite moments are when they come together and strengthen each other. In her business Johnston focuses on exhibiting local and regional artists that are unusual and outstanding. She believes that art is vital in telling our stories at this point in history. She is passionate and dedicated to creating and providing a space for artwork “so our stories are expressed and remembered for the health of our species.” Jennifer Johnston’s photography can be seen at Three Stones Gallery.

Courtesy of Three Stones Gallery

Lyca Blume is a mixed media artist whose unique jewelry creations feature pieces collected on her travels. She is the gallery manager at Three Stones Gallery in Concord.