Watermedia Works: What is the Meaning?

Monday, July 12, 2010

What is the Meaning?

Landfill #11

Recently I was asked by Katherine Treffinger to participate in her "Art and Meaning Project" which asks the question, "What is the meaning of doing art for you?" You can see my response on her blog "Treffinger Daily" here:

http://katherinetreffinger.blogspot.com/2010/07/stan-kurth-art-and-meaning.html

Sorry to all my blogging friends out there; I've been socially lacking here lately. Graphics business has been in a tail spin and I've taken a job with substantial pay cut. Sales of art are few and far between. With all that is going on in my life at this time I haven't had a lot of time to blog. Hopefully changes will come around. In the mean time please accept my apology for not being very social. I'm looking at your posts, I just don't have all the time and energy I want to make comment. I will not quit making art.

Recent Drawings

13 comments:

DJMonday, July 12, 2010 at 4:34:00 PM MDT
Hope things settle down for you. And yes, keep producing art...
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Sharon BarfootMonday, July 12, 2010 at 5:44:00 PM MDT
Your work is such an inspiration to me. I love love love it. So I too am hoping you are finding time to paint and draw.
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Blue Sky DreamingMonday, July 12, 2010 at 8:32:00 PM MDT
Your words "I will not quit making art" says it all. We move through our life circumstances but yes, we will not quit making art!
Mary Ann
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AnonymousMonday, July 12, 2010 at 9:23:00 PM MDT
Hi Stan, Your work is powerful; I hope it gets you through these tough times. No need for apologies.
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RH CarpenterTuesday, July 13, 2010 at 9:14:00 AM MDT
I am glad you will not quit making art - you have a real talent and skill and eye for color and shapes and I so enjoy visiting. Hope life doesn't get too much in the way but don't worry - we'll be here waiting.
Have you ever heard of the Manifest Gallery in Cincinnati? Some of your drawings look like pieces they might love to have in their shows.
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Caio FernTuesday, July 13, 2010 at 4:32:00 PM MDT
great drawings !!
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Carol JessenSunday, July 25, 2010 at 2:32:00 PM MDT
Stan, I LOVE these drawings! They are so inventive and well designed. I'm going to try to add you on my Links. WOW!
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EvaThursday, July 29, 2010 at 3:16:00 PM MDT
Wow! I thought I made a comment about what is going on with you, but I must have hit the cancel button! I understand about not being able to juggle everything in these hard times. Hopefully things will ease soon. I'm so pleased that you will continue creating. It keeps the sanity in check, well sort of. Guess there are a lot of Van Goghs that would argue with that
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Dan KentThursday, July 29, 2010 at 7:52:00 PM MDT
Well I've taken a little time to catch up on your art and it remains excellent! Can't understand why the sales are scattered, but what do I know? Only what I like! I hope things get better for you soon.
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Li Ferreira NhanSaturday, July 31, 2010 at 2:26:00 AM MDT
Great work Stan!
Expressive and fantastic!
I like it!

Greetings,
li
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layersSaturday, July 31, 2010 at 10:10:00 PM MDT
I love the tactile nature of your paintings and drawings-- like you really get your hands physically into the work-- very strong work
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UnknownMonday, August 2, 2010 at 1:36:00 PM MDT
Your work is like nothing else I've seen - original and mesmerizing. I'm glad to know that you're compelled to keep making it and hope that your career change is satisfying as well. Keep on keep'n on!!
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Sharmon DavidsonTuesday, November 16, 2010 at 5:01:00 PM MST
Stan, I'm so glad you're not quitting! I do understand the whole stress/job/no time or energy to comment on blogs- I'm right there with you! Your work is fantastic and I'll be excited to see the next one- whenever you get time.
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Statement

One definition of intuitive includes words like feeling and instinct. These terms are mildly interpretive, and who can argue with artists who “feel” their way through paintings. My definition of intuitive painting is beginning the work without any preliminary thoughts or plans for a particular object or subject as an end, but rather starting on a blank substrate, making marks with a variety of tools, creating a library of design elements and applying design principles until a personal aesthetic is achieved. I do not use any external reference.

Marks are mostly random early on, but sometimes lines or shapes of thoughts occur during the process. Many of these are repetitive, my archetypes. It is not uncommon to find vague human anatomy, non-specific animals, interiors, buildings, furniture, vessels, surreal botanicals, automobiles/parts and a multitude of objects I have found interesting over the span of a lifetime. Some of these shapes may look familiar but are ambiguous enough to allow the viewer a personal narrative. This may be intentional or not on my part. I prefer mystery and intrigue over the obvious.

As paintings progress, more elements including color are introduced. These are random at first but as the process continues a shift towards design takes place. A dominant color temperature may emerge, or a glaze might unify colors beneath it. Values can shift to dominant light, mid or dark. Elements are enhanced, obscured or covered up. There may be multiple layers and quite often evidence of the beginning will peek through. I use a variety of tools to apply pigment or remove it in varying degrees. These tools include brushes, palette knives, scrapers, sticks, sandpaper, my hands, my fingernails and more. Gradually principles such as rhythm, harmony, unity, pattern, gradient, conflict, dominance, contrast, balance, repetition, alternation and movement coalesce into a composition I find esthetically pleasing.

It is one thing to make a pretty picture with good composition, but quite another to bring the viewer into a painting by such means and hold their attention with content. My objective is to evoke a pleasing visceral response from the viewer.

"There's a complex simplicity in Stan Kurth's paintings that is both paradoxical and straightforward. As he works with multiple layers of watercolor and gesso, his provocative images emerge. Ambiguity and form coalesce into a singular, cohesive vision that holds the viewer spellbound"

Betsy Dillard Stroud - Watercolor Masters and Legends: Secrets, Stories and Techniques from 34 Visionary Artists

About

"Artist and workshop instructor Stan Kurth has drawn and painted most of his life. An aunt, who was an artist and art instructor, became a big influence even before he began school. Stan lives with the conviction of “fear not” and that same attitude permeates not just his life but his art. His focus and dedication to his work have earned him signature member status in several watercolor societies including the National Watercolor Society, San Diego Watercolor Society and the Western Federation of Watercolor Societies - Master. He currently lives in Arizona."