Steven Kenny interview - 2012

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bark necklace 500 Name: Steven Kenny
Place of birth: Peekskill, New York

Black Cat: I know that you studied in Rome, I’m from Rome and I can easily imagine how this ancient city can influence an artist… but how important do you think it is for artists to know about art history, and why?
Steven Kenny: I was very sheltered as a young artist. My artistic awareness expanded exponentially when I got to Rome. Suddenly I was surrounded by thousands of years worth of the greatest art that has ever been created. This had an enormous effect on my development. I always tell young artists never to stop studying art history. There is so much inspiration to draw from and learn about that will always enrich an artist’s growth.

B.C.: Do you visualize your art before creating? Do you know what it will look like before you begin? What's your process?
S.K.: Before becoming a full-time painter I was a commercial illustrator. I would create very detailed sketches for my clients. This was necessary in order for them to know what my intentions were and exactly how the finished illustration would appear. When I began working as a fine artist I would also begin with very detailed sketches and not deviate during the painting process. However, this has changed because working that way tends to take all spontenaity out of the image and gives it a frozen quality. Now I begin with only a rough idea of what the painting will look like and allow myself to make changes during the painting process. I allow my original idea to move in a new direction if that is what it wants to do.

B.C.: Often in your paintings are represented in different kind of birds, animals and natural elements in general. Have they a special meaning? Which is your relationship with the nature?
S.K.: Nature is my teacher. She can teach us all we need to know about life if we listen very closely. When I look at nature I see examples of how to understand myself and my life. Humans struggle to overcome certain obstacles but nature shows us that struggling can be a waste of energy. The birds and animals in my paintings are there as messengers to guide us but we may not like what they have to say.

B.C.: The gestures that you accentuate, so effectively emphasize the emotions and idiosyncrasies of your characters. Are you drawing predominantly from your own emotional experience or from your observations of others?
S.K.: My paintings are a reflection of my personal growth as well as my thoughts about how humans behave. I believe that human consciousness is a good thing but can also cause many problems because we have not fully evolved. We are still bound by our animal instincts in many ways and this creates internal conflicts which keep us from achieving what is in our best interest. This is apparent in our personal relationships as well as globally.

B.C.: You seem to use a lot of symbols in your work. What stories are your paintings telling?
S.K.: I combine the human figure with elements from nature so that they can interact with each other. It is the interaction that is important to me, not so much the specific symbolism of each element of the painting. Using the human figure and nature as my primary subjects allows me to make references to how humans relate to our environment. More importantly, I am able to allude to our internal psychological and emotional states. I make images that comment on human nature and how we move through our lives.

B.C.: What is your favorite piece that you have created? Why?
S.K.: I have many favorites but the painting I like most is always the one I am working on. That is the freshest and most exciting. Once I finish a painting I am always anxious to get started on the next one!

B.C.: What's the best thing about being an artist? What's the worst thing about being an artist?
S.K.: Nothing is as wonderful as creativity. I would never give up the joy and excitement that comes from making something new and having other people respond in ways that enrich both our lives. Living an artistic life can be difficult and challenging at times but there is always something to be learned. So I have no regrets. The rewards make all of it worthwhile.

B.C.: Imagine yourself as one branch in a "family tree" of artists. Who makes up other branches? Who is part of the trunk? Does a notion of a tradition matter?
S.K.: My tree has many, many branches and more than one trunk … like a banyan tree. As I said about art history, I have been influenced by so many different artists and styles. In today’s art world, I think tradition isn’t as important as it used to be. Contemporary artists are free to pick and choose as they wish in order to express themselves in the most effective way possible.

B.C.: Apart from art. What is important to you?
S.K.: Love! Love is the most creative thing we can do. It takes imagination, effort, an open mind, time and energy … just like painting. Along the way our hearts, minds and souls are nourished and fulfilled.

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B.C.: What upcoming series, projects, shows etc do you have coming up?
S.K.: One month ago I moved to St Petersburg, Florida and have already been offered an exhibition at a local gallery next month so I am busy preparing for that show. I’m planning to do my largest painting ever so I am excited to get started on it.