In His Own Words

I create work that has many layers consisting of bold lines, textures and a variety of mediums. I use and power tools such as a grinder, house paint, graphite, wire, acrylics, oil paint, tar, ink, express my inner emotions. I create on a variety of surfaces: paper, canvases wood, metal, and acrylic panels. I approach each piece from an inside out point of view, to reveal my inner landscape.

Each piece generally evolves in three stages: the first, a free flowing using pencil, paint and, and other mediums on the desired surface. To avoid overworking apiece, I work on three or more similarly sized pieces simultaneously. I find this stage is most invigorating. but in the end full of doubt.

Stage two is more reflective. Here I attempt to discover the pieces voice or the truth(s). It’s art factor. This stage can last some time, years some cases. Pieces marooned in this phase often get completely reworked, and often, regrettably so.

In phase three I bring I attempt to bring back a vitality and renewed freshness to the piece. It should now have surface of lines and layers that has a framed presence of control, freedom, harmony and enigma. A artistic surface ready to be seen and experienced. I have alluded to how surface layering is essential to my style. It began several years ago when I began using acrylic panels to enhance the mystery and depth of my works.

By painting, scoring with a grinder, adding a variety textures I attempt marry the front and back of the acrylic panel over a painted substrate. It is my intent to have the acrylic panel becomes an obscured expressive, mirror like shield. I often accomplish this often by juxtapose hard-edged straight lines and shapes to compliment the visceral lines.

For me a successful piece, it’s artistic value, is one that causes the viewer to pause with wonder in its presence. Experiencing its wordless voice. (Of course, the sale of the piece is another way to gauge its success!) I am always gratified when viewers say they are not sure how to express in words what it is about a particular piece, but it causes them to pause and moves them. My process is a 24/7 one. Whether I am in my studio, watching television, driving, walking, shopping, eating, and so forth, I am always observing, feeling, absorbing the countless characteristics and moments and life. They all relate my being an artist. How they are in turn portrayed or whether they become art, is my artistic challenge.

From an Interview in Boston Voyager Digital Magazine: 2018 Interview

Lines and Layers Ken Steinkamp - Interview with Ruth Clegg