Ken Hunt
ABOUT KEN HUNT
Artist Statement
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Firstly, I believe every artist has an agenda. Mine is to inspire and uplift. No-one can compete with the marvels of creation, but it is my aspiration to try to capture a moment in time in such a way, as to bring a lasting tangible feeling of appreciation for the beauty of nature, specifically, that which inspired the artwork to begin with.
I painted my first portraits as a child, through my teenage years picking up the odd prize in competitions, before working as a commercial artist. After a 7 year stint in sales I had a massive accident on my third Harley Davidson resulting in multiple severe injuries. After flatlining and being nicknamed “Lazarus” by my surgeons when I came back, it was decided I should return to what I’m good at…ART. I launched into an extensive retraining program. Privately tutored by A.M.E. Bale Prize Winner Chris Browne (who studied in Florence), and Paul Hunt, (who was commissioned by RNZAF to paint a portrait of Prince Charles) I learnt the correct handling of oil paint. From them I learnt to paint in the classical realist technique as taught in the academic Ateliers of the 19th century. After I honed my painting skills, I went full-time in 1991. For 15 years(1992-97) I painted solely on commission (mainly portraits) and very rarely exhibited in art galleries. I then worked on portraits for the LOTR, and the Hobbit trilogies. 2003-2008, I worked on landscapes and native birds, supplementing between times with portraits. In 2008 I had my first solo exhibition, opened by Sir Richard Taylor, and have had many since. My studio time is split between commissions and my own work for which I favour as subject matter the still life, roses or birds ...and this last year I have dedicated to painting roses and peonies. I believe in painting what I love…and hopefully that is represented in my finished works. My paintings can be found in public and private collections all over the world. Quay Gallery is so proud to present Ken's 'Object of Desire' solo exhibition of still life works. Visit the gallery to view throughout February. |
