'It's hard to pick a favorite. All the pieces remind me of the models I worked with, and the time in my life when I was doing the pieces.'
While all graphic artists capture moments, the duration of these moments can differ. In each individual photograph, only a single moment is captured. Although a shoot or project may go on for hours, and thousands of images shot, each image chronicles just one isolated split second of time. For artists who art of choice is drawing or painting, the final product is a series of moments, often lasting hours, days and even weeks and months.
It makes sense then, that the impact of specific piece is broader than just moment that it's finished. The experience is infused with everything going on during that time. The is especially true for artists tuned in to the experiences of those around them. The human experience has always been at the center of artist Kendric Tonn's work. The Ohio based artist has always focused on issues, themes and stories we all struggle. Through his focus on the human form, Kendric's goal is to weave in the feelings and emotions associated with these themes that are both universal, and relatable to so many of us.
'I was always fascinated by the figure. I knew from the start that was the core of my interest, and I ended up going to a painting school that focused on figurative work. I do like working with both male and female models, but the male figure is, obviously, a main focus of mine. And, of course, a main interest of a lot of my collectors. '
Kendric's fascination with the human form, and the human condition, stems from many factors including his own struggle figuring out his life and direction. After graduating with a BA in English from University in Tennessee, Kendric decided to take some time out to figure out what path he wanted for his future. This journey included living in Japan for a year, travelling East Asia, teaching, and most of all, drawing. This is when Kendric decided to seek formal artistic training. Kendric went on to study at the Florence Academy of Art, graduating in 2010.
'I was never one of the "art kids" in school, but for whatever reason, I started drawing and painting in college, and just kept it up until I got somewhere. Out of school, I continued working with live models, a practice I still continue. Usually, whenever I find someone to work with, we'll continue collaborating almost indefinitely--until schedules no longer allow.'
When I first saw, and spent time with Kendric's work, I was struck by the richness of texture and depth that he incorporates into each of his pieces. Kendric's work reminds me of so many of the classic portraits I've seen hung in museums and mansions. Art, commissioned at a time when the subject sat for hours in order to ensure a fastidious and specific replication. Art commissioned by the royalty and the rich, seem more about preserving a legacy or period of time more a specific moment or memory.
Time didn't seem as much as a factor then, patience and precision were the focus. The goal wasn't so much to please the subject or model, but instead the person who commissioned the piece. This is the person who will hang the finished art piece on their wall and make a statement to all who they allow to see and admire the work. This form of art is passion driven, by both the artist, and the person who craves it's creation.
Today we're much less patient, we want our art quick, and shipped within 48 hrs. Those who enjoy Kendric's work hung in their homes, have both a passion for the human form, and the willingness to wait for exactly what they're looking for. Kendric generally works on a figure for about 2-3 months, and puts in close to 50 hours with the model. As far as his own time after than, Kendric doesn't keep track. It differs with each individual piece.
Another piece of Kendric's work that differs with each painting is each models pose. It's important for both the artist, and the commissioning patron, it's important each piece be unique. Not just the model, but the over all look and structure. Having spent time modeling himself, Kendric is aware of the challenges of holding pose, and as well the dynamic visual the right model with the perfect pose can generate.
'I've had a few notable commissions. Most memorable one was definitely a painting of a nude model, outdoors, with a horse. We, plus the horse handler, were out in a field painting on that one for several weeks. Some collectors have more input into models or subjects, and some just wait to see something that speaks to them. '
Kendric Tonn on Instagram
1 comment:
Thank you for the introduction to this artists beautiful work. I'm hopelessly in love with his graphite on paper works. This is why I check your blog daily - to enjoy art and meet artists new to me.
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