Today we’d like to introduce you to Kirk Kerndl.
Hi Kirk, it’s an honor to have you on the platform. Thanks for taking the time to share your story with us – to start maybe you can share some of your backstory with our readers?
My story is pretty simple. When I was young I liked to draw and was inspired by my grandfather who died years before I was born. I would see his drawings and wood carvings at my grandmother’s house. Drawing was always some kind of escape for me whenever I had a problem. When I got to college I took some art classes to help as a release from all the other classes I had. I took drawing and sculpture classes. And fortunately the classes reminded me of how much I loved art. I did a few paintings and sculptures after college but kind of stopped while raising a family. Then after my youngest daughter finished high school. I started painting a lot. tried to learn as much as I could and never imagined how difficult it could be to succeed in the art world. it is something that I will continue to do as long as I am able.
Would you say it’s been a smooth road, and if not what are some of the biggest challenges you’ve faced along the way?
I thought if you were able to create something that seemed to be well done that they would be easy to sell.. That doesn’t seem to to be the case. I am trying to learn to make the best work that I can. it seems that the biggest struggle for me is the marketing aspect. I have been to a couple of galleries in Chicago and they told me that I was a very skilled painter and there was a “but” which means they liked my work but were not interested in representing me. You learn to have very thick skin you can’t get into every gallery or every show. I know every artist before me has had these problems. I did a few outdoor shows and I got an award for best in oil painting and did not sell one painting at the show. I remain forever optimistic.
Appreciate you sharing that. What else should we know about what you do?
I am a realist painter. I can’t say that I specialize in any one thing and that is what I find the most wonderful thing about being an artist. To paint or sculpt whatever you feel in the moment. I feel this isn’t what art galleries want they want a consistent body of work. I guess I am still trying to find out who I am as an artist. i love too many different things and find beauty in so much. Another artist told me that I am a nostalgic artist. Which may be something I am gravitating towards. The thing that separates me from most other artists is that I can paint and sculpt fairly well.
Alright, so to wrap up, is there anything else you’d like to share with us?
Being an artist has given me a great way of viewing the world. I try to find beauty in the ordinary and mundane.
Pricing:
- My prices are very affordable to most anyone.
Contact Info:
- Instagram: @kirkkerndl
- Facebook: Kirk Kerndl
