ALL HAIL THE HELL-HOUND!
“My paintings are personal and very different from other artists work due to the way that I approach the work”.
Welcome to the Abstract World of Ken Beckles. Ken Beckles is an accomplished photographer and abstract artist, he began his career in the 1970’s and continues to awe his audience tell today. The grandeur of Mr. Beckles artwork leaves one thinking of the vast universe and its timeless existence. The unmistakable geometric shapes and use of color makes his work intriguing to all who view it. Mr. Beckles artwork sends you on a journey through the cosmos with unexpected stops into an almost psychedelic world. Ken is an artist in every way, self-taught and absorbed in his every creation. When you collect his artwork you not only receive artwork from one of today’s most prolific artist you also take a piece of him. The thought and energy that is put into each one of his works of art make them uniquely him, so you the buyer not only receive a beautiful work of art to boast about you also receive a small piece of Mr. Beckles infinite world of creativity.
Recently I was honored with an interview with Mr. Ken Beckles and this is what he had to share.
I ask what may seem to be obvious and I was met with an answer that matched my question. I ask so, can you tell the readers who you are and what you do? I am Ken Beckles Abstract painter and Photographer.
Can you tell us a little about your background?
I was born in New York City, grew up in New York City and still Live in New York City, in Manhattan. It is clear to see the pride that Mr. Beckles has for his native New York City and I am almost positive that it has played a large part in his creative path.
What art do you most Identify with?
I am an abstract painter, so this is the art that I identify with.
I ask Ken If he had a preference or what he enjoyed doing the most
He stated painting.
Ken what’s your strongest memory of your childhood?
I remember the diversity of the people that lived in my Neighborhood.
What Themes do you pursue?
Abstract painting and photography.
Can you describe a real-life situation that inspired you?
I was a photographer before I was a painter and the movie Blowup got me interested in photography and I became a professional photographer. Then I came in first place in a Life Magazine photography contest. After photography I started painting because a friend was a painter and he thought his art was better than my photography. He thought that I couldn't compete with him, well it didn't take long to run him over!!!
So, Ken what jobs have you done other than being an artist?
The only job I had outside of being a professional photographer and artist was when I worked for a bank. Were you a teller or clerk? I did corporate photography for the bank.
What memorable responses have you had to your work?
I have had memorable responses to my work, but a few people have come to my studio and asked me "is this your work" which left me puzzled since they asked me at the door "are you Ken"?? The impression I got from that was that somehow, I couldn't do work this good!
Ken when it comes to art there are many things that influence an inspire artist including food, drink, song etc. what types inspire you?
The food that inspires me would be Lobster, A good Champagne to drink and AFRO POP music.
I ask Ken what he disliked about the art world and he had this to say.
There are many things I dislike about the art world but what drives me crazy are the TALENTLESS major artists who sell their work for millions and have no clue!!! It's 2018 and putting a series of random colored dots on a white background is just plain AMATUER!!!!
Okay Ken so what would you say you dislike about your own work?
What I dislike about my work is that I can't draw so I can't extend into abstract expressionism. Not being able to draw is limiting.
What would you say you like about your own work?
What I like about my work is the growth that it has shown over the years! There is a direct line from where I started to where I am now, and I am proud of it! I have more than 700 paintings that span 43 years and they just got better and better!!!
Spiderman walks on walls and The Flash moves with lightning speed. If you had a superpower what would it be and why?
The superpower I would like to have is the ability to never sleep! Sleep to me is a giant waste of life and I sleep as little as I can without getting sick. Isn't that one of Superman's powers???
I know that there are a lot of artists that have dream projects that they would love to work on, what would be your dream project?
My dream project is very clear to me and I wait for the day that it happens! I want to fill the Guggenheim Museum with my art! Start at the top with my first painting and make my way down to the bottom with my latest painting! I now can't put all my paintings at once in the museum, but I could put on one hell of a show of selected paintings. Bring it on!
What is your favorite or most inspirational place?
Inspirational place is NEW YORK CITY, MANHATTAN!
What’s the best advice you’ve been given?
Don't lend anyone money! You lend money then lose the friend and never get your money back! If you want someone to go away just lend them money and they will disappear!
Ken, I know you have a rather extensive resume exhibiting your work in several well-known and high-end galleries let me ask you professionally, what’s your goal?
My goal professionally is my art in major museums, major gallery representation, a major agent, people collecting my art! I live to make these goals happen.
Thank you, Mr. Beckles, for your time and for sharing a little about yourself with me and our readers.
Article By: Eric Smith