Published on February 20, 2025

Tim Kussow

Tim Kussow, Work/Play ft FD, Plywood, dimensions variable, 2021, Courtesy of the Artist

"Work/Play ft FD explores the duality between labor and leisure, revealing their deep interconnection. Work provides structure, sustenance, and purpose, forming the foundation of human survival and progress. It challenges us, fosters growth, and connects us to a larger community. Play, in contrast, fuels creativity, relieves stress, and brings joy yet it is no less essential. It sharpens problem-solving, strengthens resilience, and enriches our lives. This piece examines the tension and harmony between these forces, questioning where one ends and the other begins. Is work merely survival, or can it be play? Can play be purposeful? Work/Play ft FD blurs these boundaries, inviting reflection on balance, fulfillment, and the meaning we create in both." Tim Kussow.

Timothy Andrew Kussow is a professor, sculptor, and firefighter based in Connecticut. He has been a Professor of Sculpture at CT State - Manchester since 1998 and currently serves as the Chair of the Visual Fine Arts Department. With a Master of Fine Arts in Sculpture from the University of Wisconsin-Madison, his artistic practice explores the relationship between work and play. Beyond academia and the arts, Kussow is a dedicated firefighter and EMT with the Mansfield Fire Department. Since 2004, he has served as a full-time firefighter, bringing over two decades of experience in fire service, including roles as a volunteer and part-time firefighter. Kussow’s multidisciplinary career reflects his passion for both creative expression and public service, embodying a unique balance between artistic exploration and emergency response.