A true artist lives their work. Many people may dabble at art from time to time. There is actually a book written about the resistance many artists have toward their work, “The War of Art” by Steven Pressfield.
Beach House at Martha’s Vineyard
When I met with Ken Wallin and he began to tell me his story I knew I was with someone who gets it….who lives for art.
Sailing The Atlantic
Ken shared a bit about his childhood with me, growing up in the midwest, spending time on Lake Michigan and sketching, always sketching…..choosing his art over a game of cards or time out with the boys.
Dog Walking Along Spring Street – Soho, NYC
After receiving his PhD in psychology he began his practice in earnest, living in the Chicago area and dedicating his life to his family and his clients.
Marsh Expression
His wife, Judy, and he both share a love for the water. They realized that they were in danger of winding up like so many others, working, working, working and not living or savoring life as they so longed too. They began to explore, to look for a place where they could both work but also enjoy life with their two daughters.
Night Coming On The Marsh
When they found St. Simons Island and work that was available through the Glynn County School district their decision was made. Ken spent 27 years working with special needs and troubled children. He never left his art behind, studying with Bill Hendris on Monday nights and using art as therapy with the children he worked with who so desparately needed a way to express their emotions.
Casting A Net For A Shrimp Dinner
An Afternoon At The Cafes
Sensing that art is something that comes from within Ken set out to live his work. He and Judy spent a month in central France living an artist’s life, enjoying the fine wines, cheeses and breads of the region where they stayed. He found that the French love artists and he loved being there to express himself daily through his work. Ken and Judy rode their bikes all over the countryside, experiencing every element they encountered. He studied with Ted Jacobs who lived in the area and taught in a barn on his property that he had turned into a studio. Teachers always inspired Ken to go further, they gave him the information he needed to paint in his own style.
Plating The Dishes
Their journey’s around the world have continued as Ken’s artwork evolves with each new adventure. Be it Europe, Africa or Coastal Georgia, Ken creates works of art that inspire and drive art lovers to add his work to their collections. Much of his work reflects the lifestyle of the places he travels, the food, the wildlife, the people.
Villa Retreat Lake Como
His next show will be in January at the Glynn County Art Center when his work will be displayed with that of Peggy Everett and other artists’.
A Sunflower Experience
I asked Ken what the most thrilling experience has been thus far and he said that without doubt it was standing in the very place Vincent Van Gogh stood to paint “The Bridge”. He didn’t try to duplicate that work but, instead, chose to paint the field of sunflowers and a barn that were on the property behind the bridge. He took Van Gogh’s work a step further, in a way.
Lemon Tree and Shadows, A Study
View more of Ken’s artwork on his website: http://wallingallery.com. The pictures I have featured here come from the site as my photographs just did not do justice to his fine work! Here’s to you Ken…for your art, for your care, for your view of the world, but most of all…for the heart and soul you express every day.
