Artist Statement

The artist, Cody Szczepanski, sits at a table. In front of him is one of his prints of a Southern Green Stink Bug.


Hello, my name is Cody, and I am a queer artist & illustrator based in Rhode Island, USA!

My art explores themes of human nature through non-human subject matter. It is both an exploration of humanity’s relationship with one another, as well as with the rest of the natural world.

My work highlights the beauty of what we have in common as living things, such certain feelings and experiences, as well as the privilege of being part of the one, unbroken thread of life that connects us all. My art also especially emphasizes the beauty, value, and interest that diversity inherently creates, both in humanity and in all forms of life.

My hope is that through my art, people can grow to feel a deeper connection to and respect for all types of life, human and non-human. I hope that not regardless of our differences, but because of them, that people of all cultures, identities, and walks of life can see themselves in my art, and therefore see themselves in each other and in all living things.

I hope my work can stand as a reminder of how truly lucky we all are to get to experience a world so varied and so beautiful, and how lucky we are to get to do it together. It is also my personal invitation to you to likewise connect with our world through a lens of curiosity and empathy, and as a reminder to treat this world, and all of the people and living things who inhabit it, with love, kindness and compassion. I Triple Dog Dare you! (;

Press

  • URI Day Art Department Student Representative, Spring 2025

CV

  • Bart Parker Endowed Scholarship in Photography, Fall 2024

  • URI CyberFestival - International Cultural Exchange - Photography Showcase, Fall 2024

  • URI Photography Exhibition, Presidents House Gallery, Fall 2024

  • URI Annual Student Juried Exhibition, Spring 2025