A Quick Picture of Thoughts on My Work

Working by day in new home construction, while simultaneously working as a mixed media artist, my passion for color, process, experimentation and reclamation merge to translate my love of nature and modern lines into vibrant, textural and whimsical 2-d and 3-d abstract works. Formed from discarded wood sheeting and other debris scavenged from my jobsites, I transform the substrates and give them new life as wall and table sculptures.

Uniquely crafted shapes are slathered in acrylics, pastels, oil crayons, spray paint, inks, pencils and roll leaf foils to create dynamic colors, textures and compositions. I cut, drill, sand, grind and assemble the newly created pieces into conglomerations of wall and table sculptures. These abstracted works and color palettes are Inspired by radiant sunsets, panoramic skies, vast fields, deep waters, winding trails and geology of every kind. My artistry is filled with bold colors and wild shapes with intentional imperfections. No piece too broken, nothing too marred. I find and see beauty everywhere.

In a disposable world, I am inspired by reimagining common fabrication substrates that have been cast aside, I re-form these parts and pieces into a type of modern wall collage or tapestry, each work telling a story of rescue and transformation into beauty. This collection is an expansion of my current works both in scale and interactions.

I have transitioned to a collection of Wall Sculptures. It is a culmination of years of creative exploration, keeping bits and pieces and discarding others. But, since I can't bear to throw things away, I recycle it all into reimagined works of art. The Wall Sculptures are a rugged collaboration of my random and intentional thoughts and acts over the course of my life.

“The relationships we have with each other, although we are all so different, when brought together we make an amazingly dynamic work of art and story. No piece left behind. No piece too small. No piece is ugly. Each obscure shape tells a greater story when placed in relationship with other pieces. A modern day tapestry.”

A Look at My History - A Little Backstory

Reflecting on my history, creativity has always been my guiding force. From a young age, I found joy in puzzles, mosaics, and an array of materials. Over time, this love evolved into a passionate pursuit of assembling pieces to craft works that ignite wonder and joy in others.

Rooted in themes of spiritual exploration and personal narratives, my art mirrors the interconnectedness of nature and relationships. Through the transformation of discarded materials, I weave modern collage stories filled with dynamic colors and unconventional shapes.

In every creation, I see the profound impact we have on each other's lives. Each work holds its own significance, much like the intricate tapestry of human experiences. My abstract pieces, born from the unique process of Foil Imaging, blend elements of the natural world with salvaged materials, offering boundless interpretations within the confines of man-made structures.

Working across various mediums and dimensions, I continue to explore and expand my artistic expression. Salvaging construction debris fuels my creativity, providing an endless well of inspiration. Currently residing in Solon, Iowa, I find fulfillment in both my artistic endeavors and my work designing and building custom homes. My life is dedicated to fostering artistic connectivity, weaving together unique places, people, and stories in the most colorful way possible.

Where I Was - Where I Am - Where Will Be

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 the last 30+ years exploring this incredibly intriguing medium. Her current body of work explores the lifecycle of discarded substrates as they move from the job site dumpster through the creative processes within her studio walls transforming into Mixed Media wall sculptures and mobiles on Wood Panel and Aluminum in 2 and 3 dimensions. These medium explorations fuel the creativity in her two-dimensional works and sculptural installations included in collections of The University of Iowa, 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, attention to livability in home design, sculptural elements and mosaic installations. Her custom home portfolio can be seen at www.roccacustomhomes.com

GALLERY REPERSENTATION & Shops

Publications

CV

Born 1970 Plainfield, New Jersey, United States
Resides in Solon, Iowa, United States

Education:
B.F.A. University of Iowa: Summer 1988 – Fall 1991
Major: Metal Smithing  Double Minor: Fiber Art & Design
Emphasis in Foil lmaging
Studied under Chung Hi Chu, Virginia Myers, Ab Gratama and Nancy Purington                                                                            

Solo Exhibitions:

2025
Studio Open House, North Liberty Iowa
Solo Exhibition, Gilded Pear Gallery, Cedar Rapids, IA
2024
From Waste to Wonder, Burlington Art Center, Burlington Iowa
Art Comes Alive, ADC Fine Art, Cincinnati Ohio
Syzygy, Peoria Art Guild, Peoria, Illinois
Play Sculpture Table, Cedar Rapids Museum of Art, Cedar Rapids, Iowa
Itty Bitty Bits, Art Center of Burlington, Burlington Iowa
2023 
Plethora of Art & Play, Solo Exhibition, Maquoketa Art Experience, Maquoketa Iowa
Walls of Whimsy, Solo Exhibition, UIHC Project Art, Iowa City, Iowa
Art at the James, Iowa City, Iowa
Walls of Play, Solo Exhibition, North Liberty Community Center, North Liberty, Iowa
Women United, On Line Solo Exhibition & Artist Talk, International
2022 
Pivot, Solo Exhibition, Play Sculpture Interactive Table & Artist Talk, The Artifactory, Iowa City, Iowa
Curated Works, Play Sculpture Interactive Table & Artist Talk, Hillcrest Academy Kalona, Iowa
2nd Street Window, Juried Exhibition, Quad City Arts, Moline, Iowa
Featured Artist, Juried, Women United Artists, International Publication
Solo Exhibition, Us Bank, North Liberty, Iowa
Featured Artist, Carve Out Time for Art, International Web Presence
2021            
Picking Up the Pieces Wall Sculptures. Gilded Pear Gallery, Cedar Rapids, Iowa
Mixed Media Show. Massage Iowa, North Liberty, Iowa
2020            
Mixed Media Show. Parade Of Homes. Iowa City, Iowa
2019            
Studio Open House Studio North Liberty, Iowa
2018            
Studio Open House Studio North Liberty, Iowa
2017
Roll Leaf Foil Imaging & Mixed Media Work. Us Bank, Iowa City, Iowa
Roll Leaf Foil Imaging & Mixed Media Work. LLCS Denver, Colorado
2016           
Roll Leaf Foil Imaging & Mixed Media Work. Art Garage Peoria, Illinois
Roll Leaf Foil Imaging Demonstration. Iowa City, Iowa
2015             
Mixed Media Show. Parade Of Homes. Iowa City, Iowa
2014          
Pioneer In Foil Imaging: Polk County Heritage Gallery, Des Moines, Iowa
Mixed Media Show. Parade of Homes. Iowa City, Iowa
Mixed Media Show. Parade of Homes. Iowa City, Iowa
2013            
Small Works Show, Chait Galleries Downtown. Iowa City, Iowa
Color Works in Foil. Legion Arts Commons Gallery. Marion, Iowa
Mixed Media Show. Parade of Homes. Iowa City, Iowa
2012            
Mixed Media Show. Parade of Homes. Iowa City, Iowa
2011            
Mixed Media Show. Parade of Homes. Iowa City, Iowa
2010           
Mixed Media Show. Parade of Homes. Iowa City, Iowa
2009        
Foil Imaging. Konomi. Coralville, Iowa
Gallery Walk Featured Artist. Chait Galleries Downtown. Iowa City, Iowa
Mixed Media Show. Parade of Homes. Iowa City, Iowa
2008          
Mixed Media Show. Parade of Homes. Iowa City, Iowa
2007          
Who am I – Foil Imaging, Gallery Walk Featured Artist. Bella Jollie. Iowa City, Iowa
Mixed Media Show. Parade of Homes. Iowa City, Iowa
2006         
Mixed Media Show. Parade of Homes. Iowa City, Iowa
2005          
Mixed Media Show. Parade of Homes. Iowa City, Iowa
2001
New Works Foil Imaging. The Cottage Iowa City, Iowa
1995
Private Show Iowa Memorial Hall University of Iowa, Iowa City, Iowa
1994
New Works Foil Imaging. The Cottage Iowa City, Iowa
1992      
New Works Foil Imaging. Curtin University. Perth, Western Australia   
1991          
Honors Exhibition – Foil Imaging. University of Iowa. Iowa City, Iowa 

Group Exhibitions:

2024
Depth: Layers in Translation, By Gilded Pear Gallery, Principal Financial, Des Moines Iowa
Studio Open House with Mary Zeran, Cherry Building, Cedar Rapids Iowa
Bold, Group Show; Kimberlee Rocca, Mary Zeran and , Gilded Pear Gallery, Cedar Rapids Iowa
All Members Show, Burlington Art Center, Burlington Iowa
A Journey of Color & Shape Kimberlee Rocca and John Schafer, Quad City Arts Airport Gallery, Moline Iowa
Itty Bitty Bits, Burlington Art Center, Burlington Iowa
2023     
Uncontainable Meanderings & Affinities, Kimberlee Rocca & Ethan Edvanson, Octagon Gallery, Ames Iowa
Octagonal All Media , Juried Exhibition, Octagon Art Center, Ames Iowa
2022      
Member Show, Burlington Art Center, Burlington, Iowa
Member Show & Artist Talk, Octagon Art Center, Ames Iowa
Juried Fine Arts Exhibition & Sale, The Other Art Fair by Satchi, Chicago Illinois
Biennial, Juried Exhibition, Freeport Art Museum, Freeport Illinois
Octagonal, Juried Exhibition, Octagon Art Center, Ames Iowa
Art Array, Juried Exhibition, Muscatine Arts center, Muscatine Iowa
15th Annual Juried Exhibition, Freeport Art Museum, Freeport Illinois
Itty Bitty Bits, Burlington Art Center, Burlington Iowa
2019     
Group Exhibition, Jewelry Show, Gilded Pear Gallery, Cedar Rapids Iowa
2017       
Group Exhibition, It Takes All Kinds, Gilded Pear Gallery, Cedar Rapids Iowa
2016        
Metals Group Exhibition, Iowa Meets Taiwan, Cedar Rapids Museum of Art, Cedar Rapids Iowa
2015        
Foil Imaging Group Exhibition, Arts Iowa City, Iowa City Iowa
Art & Engineering, University of Iowa Engineering Building, Iowa City Iowa
2014      
Group Exhibition: Quad Cities International Airport, Moline Iowa
Foiled Again. Studio Arts University of Iowa. Iowa City Iowa
Group Show. Chait Galleries Downtown. Iowa City Iowa
2012                      
Metro Gallery Tour. Campbell Steele Gallery, Marion Iowa
2011                      
Foil Imaging Group Show. Arts Iowa City, Iowa City Iowa
2002                      
Members Show. Arts Iowa City, Iowa City Iowa   
1998                      
Winter Solstice Show. Summit Street Gallery, Iowa City Iowa
1994                      
New Works Foil Imaging. Iowa Memorial Union, Iowa City Iowa
1993                      
Summer Season Show. Gallerie Oceanna, Martha’s Vineyard Massachusetts
1992-Current    
Exhibition of Foil Stamped Prints by University of Iowa Students, Touring Exhibition
A Compilation of Student Works Demonstrating the Cutting Edge Techniques Of Foil Imaging Using The Iowa Foil Printer. The Technique Is Being Pioneered at The University Of Iowa.
1991                      
Student Group Show – Foil Imaging. University Of Iowa, Iowa City Iowa

Select Juried Art Exhibition and Fair Awards:

2014 Same Shit Different Day. Chait Galleries Downtown, Iowa City, Iowa
2013 Merit Award Mixed Media. Naperville Women’s Club Art Festival, Naperville, Illinois
2012 Best of Show Mixed Media. Oconomowoc Art Festival, Oconomowoc, Wisconsin

Publications/Bibliography:

“Foil Imaging, A New Art Form” Virginia Myers – WDG Publishing 2001
Figure 98 -Page 91, Figure 103 – Page 99
“Photocopy Transfer Technique for Hot-Stamped Foil” Pg 98-99
Contributed two original works and original discovery technique descriptions to the first ever publication about Hot Stamped Foil. Work listed under Kimberlee Shymansky Rocca
Women United Magazine “in the Spotlight” Curated Edition 2022

Collections/Commissions/Public Art Installations:

Mercy Hospitals & Clinics Cedar Rapids
Kirkwood Community College, Coralville, Iowa
University Of Iowa Hospitals and Clinics Iowa City, Iowa
Kirkwood Community College, Cedar Rapids and Coralville, Iowa
University Of Iowa Athletic Learning Center, Iowa City, Iowa
Heritage Christian School, North Liberty, Iowa
University Of Missouri St Louis Institute for Mathematics and Science Education and Learning Technologies, Missouri
Glenroy Inc. Menomonee Falls, Wisconsin
Marion Public Library, Marion, Iowa
Merryl Lynch Offices, Cedar Rapids, Iowa
Coffee Smiths, Cedar Rapids, Iowa
Solid Rock Christian Church, Coralville, Iowa
Home Builders Association Offices, Iowa City, Iowa
Lolly’s Salon, North Liberty, Iowa
Wellfinity Yoga Studio, North Liberty, Iowa 52317
Skogman Realty Cedar Rapids, Iowa
Zoetic Coffee, Solon, Iowa
Massage Iowa, North Liberty, Iowa                               

Works Commissioned and/or Purchased for Private Collections

Australia , Massachusetts,  France, Taiwan, New York ,  Jordan, Greece , Washington DC , Pennsylvania,
Indiana, Canada, Colorado, Minnesota, Iowa , Illinois, Wisconsin, Nevada, Washington, California, Florida,
Georgia, Louisiana, Missouri, New Jersey

Professional Affiliations Past & Current:

Stanley Museum of Art, University of Iowa, Member
Cedar Rapids Museum of Art, Member
Burlington Art Center, Member
Octagon Arts, Member
National Association of Home Builders, Member
Iowa City Home Builders Association, Member
Heritage Christian School, Building Committee, Playground Committee
Arts Iowa City, Board of Directors & Arts Festival Juror
Iowa Children’s Museum, Board of Directors & Development Committee
Miracle Arts Foundation, University of Iowa Hospitals & Clinics, Volunteer

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