This month, Gallery MAR owner Maren travelled to Arizona and spent time in artist Kenneth Peloke‘s Scottsdale studio. There, they talked about upcoming projects and possibilities, while learning more about Peloke’s techniques. Did you know? He uses a very special brush only once, then grabs a fresh one? The new, crisp perfection of the bristles is what he after, and the perfectly-finished works are what we appreciate.⁠ We enjoyed seeing works in process, along with his supplies and notes, sketches and ideas surrounding us. Enjoy a few photos from around his studio!

 

 

 

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“Since I can remember, I always enjoyed taking things apart and rebuilding them. But at a young age, I found myself not remembering how to reassemble exactly the way it came apart. It became challenging and fascinating for me to create a new way to put things back together. I became obsessed with trying to make things different or improved, at least in my own mind.” Through experimentation and self-teaching, Kenneth has learned to use all of his past works, whether it is landscapes, people, animals, abstracts, design or photography in his current work.

“Being a self-taught artist, and also colorblind, led to years of frustration, but through trial and error, methodically over the years I have found what works for me. I work with many layers, different substrates, and all types of media. Instead of using colors to create depth; I use my surface. I feel it is the most important element of my work.”

“Variations, transparency, layering, and certain techniques all allow me to naturally generate the subtle inconsistencies in my paintings which make each piece unique and imperfect, like us. From this, the natural and realistic aspects of my work are achieved. Some effects are created by choice and others by chance… and I live to experience that little miracle when chance and choice unite to create a work of art that has the potential to move somebody just as much as it moved me while creating it.”

Peloke’s work has been featured in Western Art Collector, In Style Magazine, Mountain Living, Luxe, Western Art & Architecture and is displayed in both public and private installations throughout the world including China, Singapore, Australia, New York, Scottsdale, Jackson Hole, Big Sky MT, Park City UT and Sun Valley, ID.

 

A very kind thank you to Peloke for allowing us the time to explore his studio and teaching us more about his process, plans, and dreams. We can’t wait to see what artwork he creates next — and where we get to place them!

 

 

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Special appearance by Faye Mullin, Maren’s 10-year-old daughter and Western animal enthusiast.⁠