What is an artist statement you ask?

An artist’s statement is a brief, written representation of their work. It is traditionally  used as a “stand in” for the artist to give the viewer  a better understanding of the artist themselves, the style of their artwork, and the reasons why they make it.

Writing this small statement was no small task. Describing my inspirations and style of art in under 700 words was tough! With help from you guys over on my social pages, I’ve written this fresh new statement! Thank you for your input! I hope these three paragraphs give you a better understanding of  my art and why I make it.

Kate Cook’s Artist Statement:

I began my artistic career working in watercolor, ink, and oil paint. Melding with my love for vintage Americana, aviation nose art, and classic cars, I started to experiment by applying traditional methods of making art to that of versatile, enamel car paint. In conjunction with my mastery of the artistic fundamentals, this unique combination allowed my art to transcend into the unexpected automotive industry. Historically, hot rod pinstripers and sign painters were highly skilled artists that made their living by hand painting intricate lines on automobiles and brush-painting perfect letters on storefront signage. Today, using the same paint, century old tools, and time-honored techniques from the tradesmen and women that came before me, I create glossy, illustrative paintings on steel, glass, wood, and canvas. I aim to encapsulate individualized narratives in the form of fine art and translate them though the extraordinary medium of automotive enamels. I have deemed this renovative practice of art making as my self-acclaimed style called, “Pinstripe Illustration”.

Timeless artists like Norman Rockwell, Gil Elvgren, Dorothea Lange, and Edward Hopper inspire me with their ability to tell a lengthy story within a single image. Ingenuity and rich color yield strong themes throughout my work, therefore, trailblazing artists like Georgia O’Keefe, and playful inventors like Ed “Big Daddy” Roth also inspire me to create. It is a humbling honor to attempt to preserve the fading art of sign painting and pinstriping in contemporary ways alongside modern day masters in the automotive paint industry such as Darren Wenzel, Liane Barker, and Hot Rod Jen.

Each piece of art in my eclectic spectrum of work is inspired and co-authored by an individual who’s story is told visually through my bold linework and vivid color. In my paintings I intend to highlight a story and evoke nostalgic familiarity with a progressive twist. Through my design process and art style I want to preserve the artistic skilled trades, and eliminate industry stereotypes. My mission with “Pinstripe Illustration” is to challenge one’s perceptions and perspectives of the fine art  market and automotive paint industry, creating an association between the two in an artistically innovative way.

 

Not everybody can be an artist, but the core belief of Asphalt Canvas Custom Art is that everybody is creative in their own unique way. It is my passion to visually translate your creative ideas into handcrafted fine art, worthy of telling your story. I look forward to making art with you!

Do you think this represents my art accurately? Do you have questions about writing your own statement? Id love to know in the comments below!  You can find my artist statement and artist bio on my website here!

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