)
Black, Pink, & Gold Rainbow VesselKen studied art, primarily life drawing, at Bowling Green State University (1975-80). Fascinated by glass, he then came to Western North Carolina to work in the studios of Billy Bernstein and Harvey Littleton. In 1984, he became Artist in Residence at the Penland School of Crafts, a position he held until l988. Ken and his family now live in Bakersville, NC, not far from Penland .
Ken"s work is typically blown and hot-sculpted, although he often uses casting and cold-working techniques as well. Faces have been a predominant theme throughout his career. By tapping into the ancient tradition of figurative imagery, he feels a kinship with artists across time. These pieces are also informed by a need to in some way convey the human condition, even on a small scale. Ken"s current "Ancient Voices" series comprises vessels that are evocative, haunting, and mysterious both in appearance and underlying technique. Their unique coloration and image pattern are produced using complex techniques not previously documented.
Ken"s interest in issues surrounding the decorative arts is reflected in his application of a regional icon-the rainbow trout-to classical decorative forms. He describes his ideas as being largely generated from the studio, i.e., from the process and the material itself. His influences are diverse. "I react to the collective greatness of artists across time-particularly those in media that show the mark of the hand."
