ENDANGERED: Art4Apes is delighted to announce that Ken Wallin is our October 2021 Virtual Artist in Residence
Congratulations to Ken Wallin for becoming our September 2021 Virtual Artist in Residence. The Virtual Artist in Residence Program is awarded monthly to an artist and a photographer who have submitted 3 or more entries to the ENDANGERED Fine Art & Photography Contest and have been selected by the Curatorial Committee as best interpreting the aims of the Contest.
Artist’s Statement
I have been painting for over 35 years. A common feature has been the subject of wildlife and nature. For the past 7 years, I seem to have focused on trying to understand and express the connection with living things and where we are headed. A sense of symbiotic relationships between plants, animals, and where humans come into play. My work often tells a story, formatted in either a 2-dimensional or 3-dimensional manner using various media. I include many different subjects to convey a story or line of thought. I wouldn't consider myself a wildlife artist but possibly one who includes animals to say something to the viewer.
I like to consider myself as a contemporary modernist artist who seeks a different path to capture the beauty and truth of what goes on around us each day. Trying to say something in a different way. For example, butterflies swarming to create a human figure dancing. Maybe sea turtles massing to form a larger sea turtle swimming. Patrons have commented that I create images that don't really exist in the real world. This may be true. Picasso once said, "Art is a lie that enables us to realize the truth." Maybe this is what I am trying to get at in my work. Saying it like this.....using an "untruth." Trying to stimulate the viewer's imagination to increase one’s awareness and understanding as to what is happening in the arena of endangerment and extinction. Anything that can put more of these thoughts or feelings about all living things in our life can only help us.
"A contemporary/modern artistic journey to understanding the connection with all living things."
Ken Wallin © 2021 Ken Wallin. All Rights Reserved.
See more of Ken’s work and get in touch with him, by clicking on the links below:
Website: www.wallinfineart.com
Instagram: @ken_wallin
A message to the viewer
As a child, I was introduced to wildlife and an interest in nature by my parents. Camping, fishing. expeditions and travel were common. I grew to love animals and what I could do to protect them. It is only natural that I would make this a part of my life as an artist. As a trained psychologist I learned early on that there is a need to formulate a message to people that can create enhanced interest, fun, and a sense of hope. I trust my art can help move the viewer to more of an understanding of how the big "why" as to why we must do this if we are to preserve our planet.
Plans for new work
Taking new directions is absolutely critical part of any artist and their creative journey. Where have we been? What are we doing now? and ...Where are we going? As an artist I am constantly changing. As I move forward, I am looking at 2022 to build larger wall sculptures that include compositions that strike to the heart of the notion of connectedness between all living things. I am looking to create mandalas and other formats to build a sense of belonging and connection between objects that populate our planet. I want to create images that do not necessarily go together. My compositions will use texture, shape and abstraction to push the message of the piece to the viewer in a sometimes fun, creative yet serious manner. Art that will draw the viewer in and enjoy the experience that I have created. It is my hope that these pieces will be eventually portrayed in a an individual show.
ENDANGERED: Fine Art & Photography Contest 2021 Submissions
Golden Tusks. Oil on Canvas © 2021 Ken Wallin. All Rights Reserved.
I like to paint animals interacting. Maybe just two of these beautiful beasts enjoying a good stare at each other. I used both palette knife and brush to create mood and feeling by soft gestures and smudges of paint.
The Gathering. Oil on Canvas © 2021 Ken Wallin. All Rights Reserved.
This was a scene I experienced throughout my journey in Africa. Elephants group themselves for both socialization and protection. I had to paint this composition.
Don’t Leave Me Behind. Mixed Media 3D Wall Sculpture © 2021 Ken Wallin. All Rights Reserved.
Inspired by the endangered life of the African Lion. The sculpted wire re-represents a sense of loss, endings and extinction. The painted facial features on metal reflect a sense of rebirth and to overcome. The viewer can decide which one.
Butterfly Dreams. Mixed Media Wall Sculpture © 2021 Ken Wallin. All Rights Reserved.
Inspired by my love of nature that surrounds us. Butterflies were hand painted and pinned in a 3D format as if they where clustering around a human form. Independent of frame helps create the illusion of butterflies flying in open space. Secured on panel and hung on wall independent of a frame. Framing optional by art patron.
Lions at Rest. Oil on Canvas © 2021 Ken Wallin. All Rights Reserved.
Combining a sense of abstraction with realism is a frequent signature of my work. Here we are looking at a restful yet alarming pose with the two lions. The abstract surroundings help the viewer to relax and enjoy the view.
See more of Ken’s work below:
The Virtual Artist in Residence Program is awarded monthly to the artist and photographer who have submitted 3 or more entries to the ENDANGERED Fine Art & Photography Contest and have been selected by the Curatorial Committee as best interpreting the aims of the Contest.
Questions? Lindsey@Art4Apes.com