LOOK&LISTEN: ky anderson

How would you define your latest work?

I have started my recent series of works on paper with a different approach, I limited my color pallet to blues and greens. I felt in my previous series I was hiding behind color and not discussing what was really going on with my paintings. My paintings were stuck in what I felt was an uncomfortable transition, from an abstract landscape and representational imagery to total abstraction. If I go too far in either direction the painting doesn't feel right. Limiting my color pallet helped me refine the balance between the two. Something clicks when the balance is just right, I find it the most interesting.

Eye Pushing Up
2009
Acrylic and ink on paper
22"x30"

One Floating Above
2009
Acrylic and ink on paper
22"x30"

Another side of my work that I am really enjoying right now is the constant layering that happens in some of my paintings. I paint one image, then paint it out, then paint another image and again paint it out until something suddenly clicks and the painting is complete. When I look at my paintings I know the history underneath the completed painting, I hope the viewer can sense the history as well. I am starting a new project now that takes this same style of working but I am applying it to linen and muslim. Painting on the linen, but instead of using white paint to cover past images I will stitch muslim on the surface to create layers of fabric and paint. I have not worked with loose fabric in years, so I am excited to see where it takes me. I love the color and texture of linen, its natural color complements my color pallet and also tones it down.

Hourglass #2
2009
Acrylic and ink on paper
22"x30"

Underground Eye
2009
Acrylic and ink on paper
22"x30"

Did you always want to be a painter?

No, but I’ve always painted for as long as I can remember. Art was a huge part of my childhood. I thought in high school that I would study math or science, but then at the last minute I went to art school. In art school I studied Fiber for two years and Sculpture for my last. I painted more at home than in school. Painting came so naturally so I wanted to learn other things in school. As soon as I got out of school I quickly fell into painting and drawing. I do feel that my education in Fiber and Sculpture adds to my painting.

Can you name 4 major artist who influences your work?

I love Louise Bourgeois and Martin Ramirez for their looseness when they draw and paint. They have an instinctual freedom I aspire to in my painting.

Louise Bourgeois

Martin Ramirez

I like Vija Celmins for her craft, and Unica Zürn for the way her drawings wander but still makes sense.

Vija Celmins

Unica Zürn

What do you plan for your upcoming exhibition?

I am preparing for a show at The Dolphin Gallery in Kansas City, Missouri. They recently moved to a beautiful new space and I am excited to show there. The space is quite large so it is challenging me to work larger. I will show works on paper, the linen & muslim series and new oil paintings. I imagine the show to be a contrast of bright oil paintings and the simple natural muted colors of the linen pieces.

Can you elaborate on your art collection?

I am sentimental when it comes to my art collection. The majority of my collection consists of people I know and have known for most of my life. I identify the art with the person who made it. It comforts me and makes me feel at home to live with their work. On the other side of it, I often trade with other artists I do not know. I can’t say how rewarding it is to trade art. To get something great in the mail and also to cleanse myself of art that is pilling up around my studio. To view my art collection click here.

Here are a couple recent more paintings, here I have started working with red.