I don’t always read Artist Statements but sometimes one just describes the artist’s work and vision so perfectly that I don’t feel like there is any way my words can improve upon it. Such is the case of New York artist Stanford Kay. His artist statement was so completely lovely, I’d like to let him speak for his own work.
What I Know About Her, acrylic on canvas, 50×60
“At first, there is paint and desire. Paint is applied, removed, and applied again. It makes suggestions. It is edited without mercy. The image and the need to signify arrive later. Books as images within these paintings offer formal modernist possibilities while also serving as an embodiment of content.”
Bacillus, acrylic on canvas, 36×40
Secret Passage, acrylic on canvas, 36×40
Legends of the West, acrylic on canvas, 36×48
To see more of Stanford Kay’s work, please visit his website. Doesn’t his work make you want to cozy up in a library and read all day?
Featured image is What I Know About Her ( detail ). All images are via the artist’s website.
My name is Lesley Frenz and I am the curator & author of this site, Artsy Forager. Beautiful, innovative, exciting artwork is my passion and I look forward to introducing you to hordes of talented artists! We'll also chat about lots of other art-related goodies. So sit back, relax and let me show you what the art world has to offer.
This is beautiful! I also think you’re right, his words are just perfect.
It’s my first time to see books as the subject of paintings. he’s so clever! 🙂 thanks for sharing…
where is the “LOVE” button!
Thnx Lesley!
Again….you have managed to share a beautiful post: books in a painting…..ahhhhh, heaven to me…could one ask for more??? I think not!
Thank you so much for your continual contribution to the blog world…..a world I am now blessed to be a part of.
Have a lovely day,
k i m b y
What wonderful words to read! Thanks so much, Kimby. I’m truly humbled. 🙂
I love this!!! I couldn’t agree more with his statement, “Both paintings and books are vessels for ideas, experience and memory. The books we read and the paintings we love and choose to live with, define us.” It’s so true!
As both a lover of art and books, I wholeheartedly agree, Nicole! 😉
Reblogged this on emocrippled.
Thanks for reblogging!
Cheers,
Lesley
Reblogged this on Jo is Howeunique and commented:
Another great find from the creative explorer that is Artsy Forager… This one especially appeals… For obvious reasons!
Thanks so much for reblogging, Jo! Isn’t it interesting how many artists gain such inspiration from books? Love what Stanford Key had to say about the correlation.
Cheers!
Lesley