ABOUT THE EXHIBITION

-cosm- comes from Greek, where it has the meaning "world, universe; order, arrangement.''

This exhibition of new works by Roland Ostheim features hand-carved panels that incorporate old-world mixed media such as handmade gesso, clay, and gold leaf. The result is a juxtaposition of textural areas against smooth surfaces.

These new pieces further explore my fascination with macro/micro worlds. Are we looking at something up close or far away? It’s like looking out of an airplane window and seeing mountain ranges from afar or farms and plots of land that look like geometric perfection. In the other sense, picking up a rock or piece of wood and looking close to see the complexity of its texture.

My artwork focuses very much on alchemy and transforming familiar materials into other objects. I am very concerned with the integrity of the finished product, and it is important to me that the result is not easily understood by the viewer, the effect of not knowing what the piece is made out of and what was the process. I have always been fascinated with artists, and I can't figure out how they did what they did. The more I delve into art the more I do understand the process.

— Roland Ostheim

ARTIST BIOGRAPHY

Roland Ostheim is an artist, craftsman, and musician who has been in Santa Fe since 2002. He relocated here from his hometown outside of Cleveland, Ohio to further pursue the arts and fulfill his fascination with the amazing landscapes and culture of the southwest. Shortly after living in Santa Fe, he connected with a vibrant and inspiring community of artists. 

Roland is a master craftsman and artisan at Goldleaf Framemakers of Santa Fe, where he has honed his skills in traditional techniques such as gilding, handmade gesso, pigmented clay,  and carving which has informed his unique style of art.  Through this exploration and collaboration, he continually develops his unique style, blending historical methods with personal insights gained from the rich artistic environment that surrounds him.