"My work is deeply rooted in a reverence for the painters of the past. At the same time, I draw inspiration from contemporary artists who challenge historical conventions, finding value not in what is painted, but in the emotional intensity with which it is rendered. Painting is less about delivering definitive answers and more about igniting curiosity and contributing to the broader dialogue. Whether through the precise detail of a charcoal line or the dynamic movement of a brushstroke, I hope to capture the spectrum of joy, grief, and everything in between."
Ken, an American native, began his artistic journey at Ringling School of Art and Design, where he earned a BFA in classical painting. With a foundation rooted in traditional techniques, Ken transitioned from a career in illustration and design to full-time painting over 20 years ago. His artistic evolution has been profoundly shaped by the influences of notable figures like Franz Kline and Robert Motherwell, key contributors to Post-Expressionism. More recently, Ken’s creative focus has aligned with the ethos of The Ashcan School, a group of early and mid-1900s painters known for their raw, unfiltered depictions of urban life. Ken’s approach to painting reflects his belief in exploration as a cornerstone of artistic practice. A philosophy that allows him to work across various genres, including portraits, figurative works, still lifes, and landscapes.