Lori McNee writes about working in a small studio space and features several artists who use social media. Check out Ken's RV studio space. At the time he was working on two sculptures, a wood and clay for bronze.
An interesting journey on the road, sculpting from wood and in clay for bronze sculptures. This blog reflects weekly conversations about sculpting, art shows, museum exhibitions, art organzations, galleries, selling art and the business of art.
Sunday, May 22, 2011
Tuesday, May 17, 2011
Sunday, May 15, 2011
Mixed Media Sculptures
Every now and then Ken creates a small bronze sculpture. His last small sculpture "Sparrow Series" sold out in early 2010 - each sculpture (11 in the edition) had an unique base, see examples below.
Last fall, Ken started a new small sculpture while at the Woodson Art Museum Birds in Art Exhibition in Wausau WI. The sculpture was completed in December and the first castings were released in February 2011 at the Celebration of Fine Art. The first three sculptures have sold and one is currently at Golden Lotus Gallery in Sedona Arizona. Ken is working on bases for the next seven sculpture bases for the summer shows and other galleries...
The new sculpture Calm After the Storm deals with the power of nature and how nature adapts. Nature doesn't complain, whine, it just continue on doing what it does to survive, if it survives... They don't wonder why, question God, blame it on something or someone else. They just pick up the pieces and move on. We might be able to learn from this, they are like children, resilient and forgiving - Deb
The extension which supports the hummingbird is meant to represent a geometric abstraction of the hummingbird form. Unlike the jewel representation of the hummingbird, the geometric form represents the power of man and nature. The piercing of metal through metal is to suggest the tension between power and beauty.
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| Mile High Sparrow |
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| Rocking Out Sparrow |
This sculpture is available at Golden Lotus Gallery
The new sculpture Calm After the Storm deals with the power of nature and how nature adapts. Nature doesn't complain, whine, it just continue on doing what it does to survive, if it survives... They don't wonder why, question God, blame it on something or someone else. They just pick up the pieces and move on. We might be able to learn from this, they are like children, resilient and forgiving - Deb
Calm After the Storm - Hummingbird
The posture is one of my imagination not that of observation. It is a posture that is possible and probable and shows the beauty of a hummingbird at rest; portraying a glistening jewel.
The extension which supports the hummingbird is meant to represent a geometric abstraction of the hummingbird form. Unlike the jewel representation of the hummingbird, the geometric form represents the power of man and nature. The piercing of metal through metal is to suggest the tension between power and beauty.
Ken Newman Sculptures (c) 2011
The image below shows some of the parts of the hummingbird bases Ken is creating... A sculpted marble dice, a sphere, scarred steel, copper flower, wood, metal... just image what Ken might be thinking about creating.
These are just some of the bases pieces - remember there will be 22 different sculptures.
Watch for updates on the new website as the sculptures are completed.
Thursday, May 5, 2011
Ken Newman at Galerie Belle Ame in Eagle, Idaho
This is a series of six YouTube videos narrated by Randy Miller of Idaho's Behind the Artist Door. This was an unprepared, unexpected interview that solicited responses by Ken prior to the gallery reception featuring his sculptures in October 2010. All six videos are on Randy's YouTube site.
The Collector's Preview - featured an Art and Wine Pairing: http://kennewman.blogspot.com/2010/10/sneak-at-ken-newman-collectors-preview.html?spref=tw
Sunday, May 1, 2011
Sculpting on the Road with Sculptor Ken Newman
Why did you begin "Sculpting on the Road"?
Originally it was for national exposure and marketing. It was also an opportunity to expose myself to the broad range of art that exists across the country. Being self taught I was quite naive about the world of art. So, I might as well dive in head first. Today we continue this journey for many of the same business reasons (especially in these economic times). Now, what I have come to understand is that our travels have provided an opening into a wonderful world I had not a clue existed.
What do you do while on the road (besides art-related activities)?
I am addicted to sculpting, is there something else besides art and its related activities? We do visit family, friends, clients and combine some limited sightseeing. I am a poor tourist, and somehow things get related back to art. There are great art markets throughout the US. Debbie seems to find ones somewhere close to family and or friends.
How does being on the road influence your work and provide inspiration?
How can the sights, sounds and people of America not influence one? We do not travel to or for research. I rarely take photos and Deb's photos I think are for documentation, she is all business. I really try to use my senses to take in an area and appreciate it. Each forest, river, mountain, town and people has an incredible uniqueness about them.
How do you manage to create your art while on the road?
When pulling the 5th-wheel trailer, the back 12 feet is a studio and it also has a generator. So when stopping within 2 hours I can be working anywhere even in an isolated area. Many times however, we travel with a tent, camping gear and a limited amount of tools spending 10-12 days in one location I can be very productive with just hand tools and no generator. I may just borrow space in the garage or shop of family or friends. When you're addicted to sculpting there is always a method to the madness and you find a way.
My indoor studio.
How does being on the road play into the business of art?
Currently self promotion is an important part of our business plan. We choose shows and exhibitions across the country, which allows an artist to develop a personal connection to clients that purchase your work, which continues to grow life experiences and helps with understanding the art market across America (that is if you can ever really understand the art market).
It also has provided the opportunity to meet artists from every corner of the US. Artists are very sharing individuals and have helped immensely in directing our journey, a valuable network of support and information. We continue to go to art galleries and meet owners as we look to move my work into this area. We currently have five gallery representations; Galerie Belle Ame in Eagle, Idaho, Columbine Gallery in Loveland, Colorado, Signature Gallery in Scottsdale Arizona, Silver Sage Galley in Dubois, Wyoming and Golden Lotus Gallery in Sedona, Arizona.
Do you make your entire living off of your art?
The art is the only source of income for us. There is no trust fund or retirement fund. We live off the sale of sculptures and looooooove.
What do you see that is interesting on the road?
You see what you want to see – natural wonders – architectural beauty - quaint greasy spoons-same chain commercial strip centers - North, South, East and West. Nature succumbing to expansion. Man's hand succumbing to the natural process. The challenge is to see a little or maybe a lot clearer.
Where is the most interesting place that you have been?
Traveling in the West over the years, I learned to admire and appreciate the so-called boring areas, South Eastern Oregon and the miles of isolation in Nevada. Again, there is no most interesting place, it's being in the wilderness of Idaho and making you way back to camp in the dark of night, your senses come alive – are you being watched – it is unbelievable what one can see without the aid of light. What you hear and that sixth sense. This is a complete opposite of walking the streets of Manhattan ,where everything bombards the senses, it is so intense, but equally wonderful. Then add the people and culture to these places and they become all intertwined.
Do you take your dog on the road, too?
We started this journey with a great lab Dude and after we lost him at the age of 14, it took three years to convince Deb we needed a pup. After much pouting and puppy dog eyes on my part, we were gifted Emma (a yellow lab), it is the exception not to see her with us.
What’s the best part of being on the road?
Of course, there is all the natural beauty and the people you meet. Dining along the interstate and the compassion of the oil companies. In the end, what seems to make it special are the things that you initially think are bad – days of rain while tent camping – become wonderful times with great memories? A wrong turn in an urban area that exposes you to sights that leave a lasting impact.
The most difficult part?
The most difficult is being way from family, especially the kids during the holidays (we have four boys who have lives of their own-we are looking forward to grand kids someday). Sometimes not having a conventional shop/studio is tough on productivity.
Back to Sculpting on the Road, we are off to McCall, Idaho this week to meet with a client, then off to the foundry in Utah. After that we travel to California for a show in Marin... pray for stability in diesel prices or send money!
The questions for this interview were asked by Carissa Sindon, a freelance writer and photographer residing in McCall, Idaho. The responses are Ken's. Carissa's article on sculptor Ken Newman was published in the Spring issue of McCall Home and Design Magazine Check out the link to enjoy her story on Ken's life as an artist.
Originally it was for national exposure and marketing. It was also an opportunity to expose myself to the broad range of art that exists across the country. Being self taught I was quite naive about the world of art. So, I might as well dive in head first. Today we continue this journey for many of the same business reasons (especially in these economic times). Now, what I have come to understand is that our travels have provided an opening into a wonderful world I had not a clue existed.
What do you do while on the road (besides art-related activities)?
I am addicted to sculpting, is there something else besides art and its related activities? We do visit family, friends, clients and combine some limited sightseeing. I am a poor tourist, and somehow things get related back to art. There are great art markets throughout the US. Debbie seems to find ones somewhere close to family and or friends.
How does being on the road influence your work and provide inspiration?
How can the sights, sounds and people of America not influence one? We do not travel to or for research. I rarely take photos and Deb's photos I think are for documentation, she is all business. I really try to use my senses to take in an area and appreciate it. Each forest, river, mountain, town and people has an incredible uniqueness about them.
How do you manage to create your art while on the road?
When pulling the 5th-wheel trailer, the back 12 feet is a studio and it also has a generator. So when stopping within 2 hours I can be working anywhere even in an isolated area. Many times however, we travel with a tent, camping gear and a limited amount of tools spending 10-12 days in one location I can be very productive with just hand tools and no generator. I may just borrow space in the garage or shop of family or friends. When you're addicted to sculpting there is always a method to the madness and you find a way.
My indoor studio.
My outdoor studio.
Currently self promotion is an important part of our business plan. We choose shows and exhibitions across the country, which allows an artist to develop a personal connection to clients that purchase your work, which continues to grow life experiences and helps with understanding the art market across America (that is if you can ever really understand the art market).
It also has provided the opportunity to meet artists from every corner of the US. Artists are very sharing individuals and have helped immensely in directing our journey, a valuable network of support and information. We continue to go to art galleries and meet owners as we look to move my work into this area. We currently have five gallery representations; Galerie Belle Ame in Eagle, Idaho, Columbine Gallery in Loveland, Colorado, Signature Gallery in Scottsdale Arizona, Silver Sage Galley in Dubois, Wyoming and Golden Lotus Gallery in Sedona, Arizona.
Do you make your entire living off of your art?
The art is the only source of income for us. There is no trust fund or retirement fund. We live off the sale of sculptures and looooooove.
What do you see that is interesting on the road?
You see what you want to see – natural wonders – architectural beauty - quaint greasy spoons-same chain commercial strip centers - North, South, East and West. Nature succumbing to expansion. Man's hand succumbing to the natural process. The challenge is to see a little or maybe a lot clearer.
Where is the most interesting place that you have been?
Traveling in the West over the years, I learned to admire and appreciate the so-called boring areas, South Eastern Oregon and the miles of isolation in Nevada. Again, there is no most interesting place, it's being in the wilderness of Idaho and making you way back to camp in the dark of night, your senses come alive – are you being watched – it is unbelievable what one can see without the aid of light. What you hear and that sixth sense. This is a complete opposite of walking the streets of Manhattan ,where everything bombards the senses, it is so intense, but equally wonderful. Then add the people and culture to these places and they become all intertwined.
Do you take your dog on the road, too?
We started this journey with a great lab Dude and after we lost him at the age of 14, it took three years to convince Deb we needed a pup. After much pouting and puppy dog eyes on my part, we were gifted Emma (a yellow lab), it is the exception not to see her with us.
What’s the best part of being on the road?
Of course, there is all the natural beauty and the people you meet. Dining along the interstate and the compassion of the oil companies. In the end, what seems to make it special are the things that you initially think are bad – days of rain while tent camping – become wonderful times with great memories? A wrong turn in an urban area that exposes you to sights that leave a lasting impact.
The most difficult part?
The most difficult is being way from family, especially the kids during the holidays (we have four boys who have lives of their own-we are looking forward to grand kids someday). Sometimes not having a conventional shop/studio is tough on productivity.
Back to Sculpting on the Road, we are off to McCall, Idaho this week to meet with a client, then off to the foundry in Utah. After that we travel to California for a show in Marin... pray for stability in diesel prices or send money!
The questions for this interview were asked by Carissa Sindon, a freelance writer and photographer residing in McCall, Idaho. The responses are Ken's. Carissa's article on sculptor Ken Newman was published in the Spring issue of McCall Home and Design Magazine Check out the link to enjoy her story on Ken's life as an artist.
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