Today we’d like to introduce you to Kerry Ware.
Every artist has a unique story. Can you briefly walk us through yours?
I was born along with my twin brother in Southern California. Both of us took to art and music naturally. We were weaned on punk rock and surfing and set off to study art. By the time I received my B.F.A. in sculpture from California State University, Fullerton, I was a devout modernist; soaking up others like Martin Puryear, Philip Guston and the writing of Darby Bannard. I was given a scholarship in 1993 to study with him at the University of Miami where I graduated with an M.F.A. in painting. I have had many shows here in Miami and support myself by teaching. Many of the shows have included some of my mentors, colleagues and former students. Besides plaster panels my interests also include large scale wall installations, sound and video.
Please tell us about your art.
I cringe at these questions sometimes because my work is purely visual. I have been painting on plaster panels for over 30 years. Being a formalist, my inspiration and motivation derives from my materials. The plaster surface allows me to treat the painting like an object. Razor blades and sandpaper become my tools, the inclusion of wooden dowels into the panel punctuate the field. A favorite challenge is to spread this out over a large wall by drilling holes and creating textured surfaces. Nature and great art from the past is something I pay tribute to. Contemporary art does not interest me. I would hope my work takes viewers away from words and ideas.
Do current events, local or global, affect your work and what you are focused on?
It is a misconception to believe that the role of the artist has changed. Every epoch tends to reflect the issues of the day through their art. Human nature stays the same. The best art endures despite these topics. I’m a firm believer in art for art’s sake. What’s going on in the world has no place in my art. The ART is separate from that. Making art relevant to current events weakens it. We live in an age where the agenda of identity politics has become center stage in the museums and galleries. I don’t see this as a positive ingredient in the art making process.
How or where can people see your work? How can people support your work?
My website is always a work in progress: kerryware.com
I do not consider myself to be a professional artist because I do not support myself by making art. It would be great to spend full time creating and selling.
I can’t say I have an agenda or business plan for this, however I would not decline the opportunity to enhance a public space like a restaurant or home.
I have an upcoming show at flowerbox projects in October, which is run by David Marsh.
Contact Info:
- Website: kerryware.com
- Phone: 786-473-1368
- Email: kerry@kerryware.com
Image Credit:
Myself
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