Artist Kenn Parks, Photo by Brittney Cat
1.What is your name?
Kenn Parks (my birth name is Kenneth, so I thought “why not have two “N”s in my name) it will allow me to take a very common name and make it my own.
2.What is your quest?
To inspire & empower others to live passionately in everything they say, do & believe… to think more deeply, feel more intensely and love more fully. To live life in their own unique, creative individual manner; celebrating diversity and be a part of the global family of the human-race, living in one big home (our planet). I do this through my Art, Activism, Performing, Philanthropies, Public Speaking & Social Networks!
3.What is your favorite color?
Fiery BURNT-ORANGE; its a color so full of life, so full of passion, energy and intense light…this is the color of my being; along with brilliant, cool hues of BLUE, PURPLE & GREEN as a close second and to balance my Dual nature and Gemini spirit!
'Autumn' By Kenn Parks
4.How long have you been painting?
I started painting, drawing and creating mixed-media pieces in December of 2006; since then, I’m psyched and grateful to share that I’ve sold over 400 works; have art in 8 countries and now 26 states; it’s almost surreal for me to contemplate this. I have a Graphic Design and Performing Arts background and believe that this has helped me with the basics of contrast, perspective and composition…though the texture, feeling and movement have all come from experimentation and just painting in the moment.
5.Your paintings have a deeper meaning then what the eye sees on thesurface. What do you try to express in your work?
Thank you! I’ve been told by many of my enthusiasts, buyers, peers and friends that my paintings and mixed-media works contain an amazing level of movement and strong energy that emanates from them…that people feel this; which is a far better compliment to me than hearing about my lines, perspective, composition or anything else “technical”…if someone “feels the energy” and goes deeper inside of themselves when viewing my works, than I know I’ve translated my feelings, my energy onto a 2D canvas to share with others. My artwork primarily focuses on Social Justice, Environmental, Metaphysical & spiritual elements…along with some Local themes with my Lou-de-Lis series and a few touch on human interaction & relationships!
Art by Kenn Parks
6.Not only do you paint but you also act. Can you tell me about some ofthe latest productions you’ve been in?
Right on! I’ve acted, danced and sang since second grade…this was my first exposure to the artistic world. I’ve done this my whole life with a brief hiatus after my 2nd kiddo was born with my ex-wife; in 2010 I entered back into the acting, dancing, singing, acroyoga and performing world and plan on continuing, growing in this realm for the rest of my time on this current journey. Some of my performances this year included: the Lion Tamer in the awesome burlesque/Cirque production Va Va Vegas, then a lead duet dancer at the moving Unspoken Truth event at Spalding University; then I had a lead role as Patrick Swayzee in Point Break Live at the Alley Theater… Currently I’m playing the Comedic Villain “Trixie” in Va Va Vintage burlesque show (now running), then in December, I play Hatter Madigan (Think, Mad Hatter, but more baddass) in The Looking Glass Wars…finally in January we’re bringing Point Break Live back, so I’ll be sporting the surfer wig, shorts and Reagan mask again! I’ve also been asked to choreograph and be in an upcoming independent film, which I’m looking forward to!
7.How would you describe your creative process?
I create fully “in the moment” …There are times I go into my studio late at night and awaken at 5:00-6:00 in the morning with a brush, sponge (or who knows what else) in my hand and look down at a canvas in front of me and say “who the hell painted this, there’s no way I did”… I literally open up to the exact moment that I’m painting…releasing all per-conceived notions, releasing the past and allowing the emotion, the energy of the “NOW” to guide my brush strokes, color selection and direction of my abstract works. The exception is when I do murals, portraits or some landscapes…then I “may” plan it out or sketch out an idea; typically however, I just (literally) let it flow…almost subconsciously…so far so good; people are getting it and I’m excited, humbled and grateful for this!
Artist Kenn Parks in his home studio creating, Photo by Brittney Cat
8.Any awesome projects that you’re currently working on or anything you’relooking forward too in the near future?
I’m getting ready to put out a call for artists & Photographers for an upcoming show I’m organizing, curate and promoting called “Artography”it will pair some of Louisville’s most talented and well-know artists and photographers together for an amazing show of mixed-media, decoupage, complimentary works and spontaneous collaboration. I’ve been asked to be in a new show at the Bodega on Market St. with my great friend Andy Cook and will be working with Lisa Frye from Art Sanctuary and Will Seig of the Art cartel for future shows. Beyond this, I’m cooking up some ideas for a solo show and my second international magazine cover. I’ve also been asked to do two album covers for local artists which is totally baddass!
Art by Kenn Parks
9.Who are your 3 favorite artist?
Ironically when I first started creating art, I purposefully avoided galleries, museums and refused to look at art from any of the masters, or famous contemporary painters…I did this so my art would be genuinely unique, original and reflect what was in my heart & mind…rather than resemble anyone that has come before me…however, 2 years ago, after several people said my art resembled certain artists, I started viewing other artist’s works and fell in love with quite a few. My top 3 probably are: Kandinsky, Klimt andMondrian…with O’Keeffe, Monet and Dali as a close second Top 3!
Art by Kenn parks
10.What’s a typical day like for you?
Awesome, insane, crazy-ass busy, reflective, fulfilling, connected, profound, insightful, giving and adventurous! Online, in my studio, at whichever coffee shop I feel called to, with my kiddoz, with my girlfriend or with my acting, dancing or visual artists, philanthropy, peace or environmental activists peers & friends!
Check out more of Kenn’s work on his website and keep up with all his many art endeavorer through the event’s calendar! Plus you can see him and the crew at Alley Theater through out the year acting in some awesome productions. Local art and local artist are what Keeps Louisville Weird—Support it if you love it!
Work in Progress by Kenn parks
Like this:
Be the first to like this post.
Tags: environmental art, Kenn Parks, metaphysical art, Spiritual art
