Above:
Art by Kendric Tonn
-See More Below-
~Check out today's BIRTHDAYS HERE:~
Thursday, March 11, 2021
Near the End of the Seasonal Sightings
With Spring just around the corner, some people are tired of waiting. As many of us know, spring doesn't necessarily mean the end of snow. I have had to shovel around the barbeque a few times, even as late as May...
A Baker's Dozen: Samuel Boux
'Sam reminds me of an old soul living in a young man's body - he's very introspective and wise beyond his years. He's very secure with who he is and focused on realizing his dreams. '
I was first introduced to model and musician Samuel Boux by photographer Chris Teel in 2010. Over the next three years, I featured the Montreal based model ten times, showcasing his work with several different photographers. There was something special about Samuel, something almost ethereal in his look, his poses, and his beautiful face. There was also a bohemian vibe to Samuel's imagery, an expression of his free spirit from his nude body, his movements and and his expressive hazel eyes.
One of my favorite pieces was one Samuel himself suggested. In 2010's Métamorphose, Samuel shared his struggles in school as a loner and outcast, and the steps he took to make changes in his life. Samuel l also shared an older, almost unrecognizable image which highlighted both his physical, and spiritual transformation.
Samuel by Matt Kulisch
2010
Kendric Tonn: The Time In My Life
'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
Jean Shorts, A Diaper And An Overdue Appreciation
Earlier this year, I posted an Instagram shot of the delicious Cheyenne Jackson, (HERE:) in the middle of a what looked to be a pretty strenuous workout. The shot reminded me of what first drew me to the stage and screen actor back when I saw him on the 2008 Tony Awards... His incredible legs! I think it was his performance from Xanadu, and his short jean shorts that first had me wanting to learn more about the talented actor.
When I posted the shot of Cheyenne and his hot legs this year, I mentioned being disappointed with his new shot Call Me Kat. Although I love the entire cast, I tried the first two episodes, and found it really hard to watch. A few weeks ago, I saw a promotional images of (below) of Cheyenne in a diaper. Now, let me clear, I am not usually in to adults, even hot men like Cheyenne, wearing diapers. I know for some it's a draw, but usually, I'm more turned off than on.
That being said, Cheyenne looked so damned hot, I had to search for the scene on-line. I was looking for context of course... I ended up watching the entire episode and I have to say Call Me Kat was slightly improved. Cheyenne was as engaging and beautiful as ever, and the show had dropped, or at least lessoned, some of the more cringe worthy elements of the first couple of episodes that I'd seen.
Cheyenne by Doug Inglish
I hope the shot finds it's footing, and gets a second season, the entire cast is great, and some shows, sit-coms especially, need a season or two to work out the kinds. I always think of the first season of Seinfeld, which paled in comparison to the shots later seasons. Mom is another recent show that got much better after the first season or two. Watching the episode gave me a long overdue appreciation of the qualities that first drew me to the actor close to 14 years ago.
Hello Again (2017)
I hadn't heard of the 2017 musical Hello Again, until putting together this piece. After seeing the clip of Cheyenne with Audra McDonald, I may have to watch the whole things.
American Horror Story: Hotel (2015)
For some reason, Cheyenne's romp with Lady Gaga in AHS Hotel slid by me. I saw the episode, but at the time it was the surprise of seeing Gaga's glorious glutes that grabbed my attention. This was also the episode that Riverdale's Charles Melton showed his beautiful butt. This time, it was Cheyenne's glorious backside that had my full, and undivided attention.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)