Photos by Amy Trompeter
Artist and Bradley alum Ken Kaminski (‘84) presented a Visual Voices Lecture at the Horowitz Auditorium in the GCC. A reception folled the lecture in the Heuser Art Gallery.
Studying graphic design in his time at Bradley, Kaminski’s exhibition, “A Retrospective,” is currently displayed in Heuser Art Gallery and will be set up through Feb. 16.
“We chose to bring Ken to campus because he is the epitome of a successful alum,” Erin Buczynski, director of galleries, exhibitions and collections, said. “It is important for our students to hear directly from a working professional, especially one who started their journey at Bradley.”
In addition to a successful graphic design career, Kaminski also paints and exhibits around the world. He currently works as an artist in the Cave Creek community of Arizona.
“Like any visiting artist, designer or photographer, students get to see art as it should be viewed; ‘In the flesh,’ so to speak,” Gary Will, chair of the art department, said. “Kaminski’s exhibition is a ‘retrospective,’ which is a great title as it really demonstrates the evolving, changing direction his paintings have taken over the years.”
During the lecture, Kaminski’s paintings were displayed in a rotation schedule on a projector behind him. He discussed his reactions to the Sept. 11 terrorist attacks, which served as a large inspiration for 15 years of his work.
“Hearing an experience is much more valuable than reading about it in a textbook,” Patricia Díaz Velázquez, sophomore photography and journalism major, said. “You can take inspiration from anything and turn it into something spectacular if you put in the effort.”
Kaminski outlined his entire career in his lecture, from college to the corporate realm and beyond. He advised students to utilize social media, market themselves, build relationships and have persistence.
“I learned that graphic design is more of a creative position than I may have expected,” Harland Reid, sophomore graphic design major, said. “Incorporating your own art is something that is actually really beneficial to the job, and you can create some awesome and original things.”
This was the first time Kaminski and his wife, also a Bradley alum, had returned to campus since the mid ‘80s. According to faculty, they formally invited the couple because they believe Kaminski’s work is impactful.
“Kaminski’s visit will provide an enriching educational experience to our students through their direct interaction with the exhibition, lecture and with the artist himself during student critiques,” Buczynski said. “It is our hope that students [were] inspired and challenged by the exhibition.”
