Picking up the Pieces

Solo Exhibition | Kimberlee Rocca

Exhibit Dates: January 29- February 27, 2021
Virtual Reception with Kimberlee: February 5th, @ 5:30 CST
Facebook Live walk-through: January 29th, 5:30pm CST WATCH

Exhibit Info & Statement

Picking up the Pieces

January 29-February 27, 2021
Solo Exhibition | Kimberlee Rocca
Virtual Reception: February 5th, 2021

Picking up the Pieces

"I am an Iowa artisan working by day in new home construction and remodeling. My job sites are filled with a myriad of common, yet unusual materials that continually spark my imagination and wiggle their way into my fine art works. Designing and building homes captures a desire for large scale creativity; the ever-flowing variety of construction waste products captivates a bold approach. My two creative disciplines are intertwined, and I have found that I can barely do one without the other.

Walking the sites is a part of my process. I regularly scavenge through the tossed materials to discover unused treasures which frequently become my next inspirational launching pad. I have generated a collection of random pieces of raw wood, beams, stone, tile, paper, plastic, and metals that I can process with abandon because I know there will always be more discarded. Home building requires a subtle elegance and simplicity in product selection, textures, and colors as well as precision in execution and craftsmanship. Due to these limitations, my artistry tends to run in the opposite direction with bold colors, wild shapes and intentional imperfections.

Foil, Painting and mixed media work of all sizes is my sketchbook of sorts as I continually prepare for larger scale works yet to come. Puzzles, mosaics, and collage remain an influence in all my works. Pre-planning is confining, but necessary. Exploration is glorious and where my work comes alive!"

-Kimberlee Rocca

About the Artist

Born in New Jersey and raised in Iowa, Kimberlee Rocca studied Design, Printmaking, and Fiber Arts at The University of Iowa before earning her BFA in Metal Smithing in 1991.

During her studies, Rocca was introduced to Foil Imaging, a unique process which combines traditional printmaking techniques with commercial foil printing processes. She has spent over 30 years exploring this incredibly seductive medium.
While her foil works are unique, she also works extensively in Mixed Media on Paper, Canvas, Wood Panel and Aluminum. These explorations fuel the creativity in her two-dimensional works and sculptural installations included in collections of The University of Iowa Museum and Hospital Permanent art collections, The University of Missouri St. Louis, and Kirkwood Community College.

In addition to her studio work she is locally recognized for her custom home designs in the Iowa City area with unique architectural features, sculptural elements and mosaic installations. Married with 4 beautiful children she currently resides in Solon, Iowa USA.