The Creative Works of Cole Klovski exhibited in the Arts & Health Galleries located within the Duke University Hospital Concourse from May 17 - July 7, 2021.

This exhibit included 37 pieces of two and three dimensional work, textile weavings, poetry, and music compositions (accessible via QR code). You can view all the works displayed by scrolling below.

Artist Bio and Statement:

Born on Devils-Night, 1974 just outside Detroit, MI…

When did this all begin?
From childhood to macabre
A life-long taste of pain
Puzzles missing pieces
And I couldn’t ask for more

As a young child I learned by example to create. My grandmother was a “maker”. She was always creating something, and soon, so was I. As I grew older, I spent most of my time alone. Crippled at times from major depression, and invincible at times through major mania, I created and crafted in any area in which I could find the resources.

Over time, I taught myself to sculpt, weave, draw, paint, design, build and play music. My creativity through the years has manifested in many ways. Strangely, like my internal struggles, it has taken on different shapes, colors, textures and sounds.

I feel that showing one’s creations, at least for myself, makes one very vulnerable and completely exposed. I try to stay true to myself, though I remain very private about my art. Symbolically, I stand here in front of you terrified yet joyful, open and honest. I can only hope that my work can show a glimpse into my journey and that it be encouraging to anyone, despite their own unique struggles, that they too can create.

Currently living in Timberlake, North Carolina, many decades after my grandmother’s first influences, I am supported and loved by my wonderful wife and two amazing sons. I’ve learned how to cope, attempt acceptance and embrace the bittersweet gift of Bi-Polar Disorder.

And still I create…