Today we’d like to introduce you to Conrad Kane.
Conrad, let’s start with your story. We’d love to hear how you got started and how the journey has been so far.
At an early age, I started taking formal art lessons. The work I produced was recognized and I earned several awards. That early experience inspired me and fueled my passion for art. My primary medium in my teen years was photography. I saved and invested in my first camera. Having spent a lot of time in the darkroom, learning to develop my own film, I expanded to techniques of experimental photography, emulsion transfers and cyanotypes. Photography was the starting point of my creative voice. I was exposed to numerous museums and galleries including several visits to the Art Basel.
In high school, I made it a goal to start focusing on having my art exhibited. I enrolled in a liberal arts school, Flagler College in St. Augustine, as an interdisciplinary artist, earning my BFA in 2018. I had the opportunity to study and create works in a variety of mediums; photography, printmaking, painting, installation design, and ceramics; that helped me mature my voice as an artist. I received invitations to install my work in several local venues, including a solo show, that taught me a lot about how to stage my work. Two of those installations received critical acclaim.
The Reveal Party referenced male and female sexual organs signifying universality and the contrast of sexuality and gender in society. Raw clay highlighted the fragility of individuals that each piece represented. Using the same weight in each piece hinted at the similarity and fluidity between genders.
The Untucked Cup Queen, reused the same clay to create wearable pottery and explore the overlap of bonding in sadomasochism and drag. I chose a variety of races to combine masculine and feminine into a gender fluid message and hint again at universality. Through that journey, I established a position in the art community to share my voice. I am currently working in raw clay, installations and cyanotypes.
Overall, has it been relatively smooth? If not, what were some of the struggles along the way?
Having my voice recognized in a crowded market and finding ways to differentiate myself and gain recognition have been some of the challenges. It is difficult getting my message out among art lovers. Recognition and differentiation of my style and creative voice are inherent challenges for earning gallery representation.
My passion has not been dimmed. Luckily, with social media (IG: @conrad_kane), I can share my creative process and use the immediate feedback to see what works.
We’d love to hear more about your work.
I use my website (conradkane.com) to showcase my work and attract new clients. I specialize in photography, ceramics, printmaking, painting and commissioned work. I use nature in my cyanotypes and printmaking along with found objects. I have also exhibited various unfired clay installations. I strive to accommodate requests for commissioned work with specific themes from raving fans and repeat clients. I am producing a volume of work, based on specific inspiration while making a deep investment in each medium to fully explore the potential to amplify my voice.
I have developed a talent for seeing the beauty in simple things and taking that inspiration to transform it into a visually stimulating piece. I am most proud of using my platform to encourage and inspire others to be creative.
Any shoutouts? Who else deserves credit in this story – who has played a meaningful role?
My parents and family have been committed to my career as an artist from the beginning. I was fortunate to have dedicated instructors and teachers to rely on as a resource and to provide critical feedback.
In high school my photography teacher challenged me to expand my skills and take a leadership role with my peers. In Flagler College, I looked up to my professors and received inspiration from other artist’s journey. In particular, the woodshop instructor taught me to use power tools and expanded the possibilities for future installations. My boss at a print production company taught me business, photo editing and frame construction and mounting.
Pricing:
- Pottery starts at $15
- Cyanotypes range between $15 and $60
- Relief Prints start at $60
Contact Info:
- Address: 1157 Croton Ct, Weston, FL 33327
- Website: www.conradkane.com
- Phone: 9542950170
- Email: fotorad365@gmail.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/conrad_kane/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/conrad.kane.9
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