Kenneth Klade
BORN: January 22, 1966
HOMETOWN: Milwaukee, Wisconsin

Education: University Wisconsin -Whitewater; Arizona State University; Milwaukee Art Institute of Art and Design

I choose to value the poetic, the playful and the emotional aspect of my art. I do not have any hidden messages or deep rooted inner turmoil expressed in my paintings. I love to create rhythm and harmony with my colors, deep textures and composition. Just as equilibrium is key to a dancer’s performance, I strive to create that balance on canvas or paper. I also express movement and stillness, action and thought, figure and structure. If you feel an inner sense of peace and happiness when viewing my work, I have accomplished my job. My goal is to have the viewer walk away from one of my paintings feeling good.

My diverse style of work ranges from 1920 Art Deco, Pop Art to industrial abstract paintings. My diversity is created by pushing myself to explore new and challenging techniques in my work and because I get bored with a single style. I am inspired by creating art that is appealing to my inner soul, so when I complete a piece, it brings me a sense of accomplishment.

I have studied art since I was a young child and won the national, “Give a Hoot, Don’t Pollute” art contest when I was in second grade. I never really understood why my teachers wanted to purchase my work and enter it into art competitions. However, I finally learned later my heart is driven to creating art. As a young child, I discovered I could win 10 McRib sandwiches, as was the case from one art contest I won. As an adult, I now enjoy showing my work across the country and sharing my art with those who have the same inner happiness when viewing my work.