Todd Schabel
As I continue to explore the possibilities of my works overall
intentions, it only seems appropriate to strive for a better
understanding of not only myself, but of those who I know and will
come to know and how we all relate to live purposeful lives.
My current body of work embodies this interest in understanding
the people in my life. My family has continued to provide support
and encouragement as I solidify my artistic aspirations and as a
result I have translated this into my work. Since I know my family
well, I am able to portray a sense of their character to ultimately
initiate a conversation between the work and the viewer.
By portraying my family members at their workplace, the viewers
are able to contemplate the direction there life has taken and
if they believe it is right for them. It's an attempt to understand
one's place in this world even if it may seem undesirable to
others. To aimlessly walk through life brings about confusion and
distress. Finding one's place can be difficult and take time, but
once the path is clear they shouldn't hold back. They should do
their job and do it well.
In light of this my work focuses on a realistic depiction of the
subject matter. A faithful rendering is used not only to honor the
subject for their hard work, but also to mimic the quality of that
work. When you can't help but do the best work you can then
there's a good chance you're in the right place.
Exhibitions
2007 Art Momentum, University of Wisconsin-Fond du Lac, 2nd Place, Fond du Lac, WI
2008 Art Momentum, University of Wisconsin-Fond du Lac, 2nd Place, Fond du Lac, WI
2008 Haggerty Museum of Art, Marquette University “Illuminated Manuscript Letters”
Milwaukee, WI
2010 University of Wisconsin-Oshkosh Student Honors Show, Allen Priebe Gallery, Oshkosh, WI
2010 Reeve Union Student Art Competition, Gail Floether Steinhilber Gallery, Oshkosh, WI
2011 University of Wisconsin-Oshkosh Student Honors Show, Gail Floether Steinhilber Gallery, Oshkosh, WI
2011 Reeve Union Student Art Competition, Gail Floether Steinhilber Gallery, Oshkosh, WI
2011 Midwest Regional Art Finalist
2011 “Labor of Love” University of Wisconsin-Oshkosh Senior Exhibition, Annex Gallery, Oshkosh, WI
2011 Fox Valley Plein Air Event, Bergstrom-Mahler Museum, Neenah, WI
2011 Fox Valley Life Drawing Group Exhibition, Richeson Gallery, Kimberly, WI
Awards
2010 Pride of Oshkosh Scholarship, University of Wisconsin-Oshkosh
2010 Midwest Regional Art Finalist
Education
University of Wisconsin,Oshkosh
Bachelor of Fine Arts,Painting