Originally from Orange county NY, Brian Robert Knoerzer studied visual art at Purchase College and received a B.F.A in May of 2000. While studying he was inspired by an introduction to professor Antonio Frasconi's powerful woodcut imagery. In 2003, Brian opened an independent artist studio and began carving a series of intricate 3 dimensional wood sculptures. By 2005, his carving practice had naturally transitioned into a focus on woodcut imagery and an interest in combining this technique with handmade paper. His artwork has been described as internally sculptural and painterly although it is rooted in a pursuit of modern graphic imagery. His compositions are inspired by a balance of expressive botanical imagery with structured urban environments.

Artist statement: “The most recent images are about the tension between nature and the architectural structures we use to navigate and organize our modern lives. Balancing organic elements against manmade articulations became an arena for expressing different emotional dynamics or ideas about tradition versus change. I look for symbolism in ordinary settings and try to capture a sentiment based on the arrangement of elements in a space."

In addition to maintaining his art and printmaking practice Brian is a passionate educator having worked for the Department of Education NYC for over 15 years. He currently teaches computer science classes at 14K454 the Williamsburg H.S. for Arts and Technology. In February of 2024 the United Federation of Teachers presented Brian with an Outstanding Educator award for his work having developed a new Careers in Technical Education (CTE) program at 14K454 in WIlliamsburg Brooklyn.