Site-specific and integrated art
2-D art, including murals, mosaic, photography, etc.
Pittsburgh Creative Corps Artist Directory
Sandy Kessler Kaminski
Primary Discipline
Artistic Practice
Murals
Painting/works on paper/printmaking
Site-specificity determines materials used
Workers Mural at Pittsburgh International Airport, 2023, acrylic, 9′ x 30.’ Created for security and maintenance workers at the airport. The old and new airport plans combined with a dramatic night view of Pittsburgh. Photo by S Kessler Kaminski.
Circuitscape 22 Vol 1.2, 2023, acrylic paint, silkscreen, polycarbonate, reclaimed computer components, found objects on panel, 25.5″ x 39″ x 2.” Photo by S Kessler Kaminski.
URBAN (with detail), 2023, outdoor sign material, aluminum, LEDs, microprocessors, acrylic paint, polycarbonate, two murals: 8′ x 16′ each. Temporary Public Art Project at Bakery Square, Pittsburgh, PA. Photo by S Kessler Kaminski.
City Plan 1.3, 2024, mixed media on paper featuring a birds eye view of a fantasy cityscape with circuitry standing in for architectural structures, 52″ x 36.” Community College of Allegheny County Center for Education, Innovation, and Training. Photo by John Clines.
Around 65, 2009, silk screened polycarbonate, resin, panel, controller, recycled computer parts, motion sensors, servos, and LEDs, 2′ x 3.’ Plays Pennsylvania Polka. Aerial landscape inspired by a section of the Ohio River where State Rt. 65 is located. Sponsored by the Pittsburgh Technology Council and CMU Create Lab.
About the Artist
The goal of my work is to place the viewer in a specific time and space and connect that moment in a universal timeline. I begin by locating the subject in the history of an area, following how it evolved. Then I build a picture of what was and how it links with the viewer today. Using historical documents, plans, maps and architectural renderings, I work to visualize an intimate connection. History is both private and communal, our personal experience colors our perception of time. It is this in-between space that my work resides. I make a personal history known and bring the public experience to the individual.
I have been creating art in the public realm for over 20 years. I really enjoy the process of working with people, using my abilities envisioning artwork that describes a community. I strive to maximize community participation in my public work, the majority of which takes place in underserved communities. I believe in the power of art to give voice, meaning and purpose to people who feel overlooked. While this may not apply to every situation, the need to be seen and understood is universal.
Photo by John Clines
Web
Accreditations, Certifications, and/or Awards
- Baldwin National Baker University, Award, “Sweet 16, 2020,” 2023;
- Art of the State, Pennsylvania State Museum: Docents Award “Fetching the
Canary,” 2022; - Shenandoah National Park Trust Residency: United States Department of the
Interior “Ginny,” 2021; - Artist Opportunity Grant from The Greater Pittsburgh Arts Council, 2014;
- Art and Design Neighborhood Projects “A Path to Peace” Public Art
Project, (2008) 2012; - Charm Bracelet Project – “Lantern”- Children’s Museum of Pittsburgh, National
Endowment for the Arts and The Grable Foundation, 2011; - Voices of Youth: “LISTEN! The North Side Girls Have Something to Say!” Art in
the Public Grant Award, The Pittsburgh Foundation, the Grable Foundation,
Pennsylvania Partners in the Arts Supporting Grant, 2009;
Provides Fabrication Services to Other Artists
Yes
Teaching Artist
Yes, ages 12 and up
Joined the Directory
March 2022
Related
PROJECT
Pittsburgh Creative Corps
Designed in response to the COVID-19 pandemic, the Pittsburgh Creative Corps initiative engages artists and creative workers to activate the public realm while providing economic opportunity.
“I believe in the power of art to transform individuals and their communities.”
Sandy Kessler Kaminski
Contact the Artist
Please enter information in all of the required fields below.
Related
PROJECT
Pittsburgh Creative Corps
Designed in response to the COVID-19 pandemic, the Pittsburgh Creative Corps initiative engages artists and creative workers to activate the public realm while providing economic opportunity.
