Meet Kent Knowles of Atlanta

Today we’d like to introduce you to Kent Knowles.

Hi Kent, thanks for sharing your story with us. To start, maybe you can tell our readers some of your backstory.
My childhood was nothing short of magical. The son of an Air Force chaplain, I was picking up stakes about every three years or so, traveling between the U.S., Europe and the Far East. I am indebted to my parents for always supporting my artistic practice as they supplied me with a stream of inspirational places and stimulating environments that continue to influence my approach to making things. Through the years, my interests and materials have evolved, but the curiosity that was born from experiencing those many new worlds has endowed me with an insatiable desire to always be moving, looking and adapting.

Alright, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
I can’t speak for other artists, but for me, doubt is a dark and necessary studio companion. There was a time in grad school when I felt like throwing in the towel – mainly because I wasn’t applying any constraints to what I was making. I found myself in a vast creative void with nothing to push up against and it made me question my motivations. Thank God for my wife, who ushered me gently through those dark times. Still does.

Alright, so let’s switch gears a bit and talk business. What should we know about your work?
I am a figurative painter. I compose from my imagination, which inevitably results in a body of work that is somewhat autobiographical in nature. I’m a huge fan of spontaneous design, so preliminary work is nearly non-existent as I prefer to design as I go. Not knowing where the work is headed puts me in a state of excitement that lasts right up until the end. I prefer large surfaces too. They require a notable level of physical exertion which, for some reason, results in my having a stronger sense of investment in them. When I have slugged it out with a particularly large painting, I find it necessary to spend the night sleeping next to it.

How can people work with you, collaborate with you or support you?
I am so lucky to find support in many places. My family is incredible and very tolerant of my production schedule. My employer/work family (SCAD) has elevated my productivity and given me so much confidence. Within the college, SCAD Art Sales has been huge champion of my work and particularly the President and Founder of the school, Paula Wallace, has supported my creative exploration and growth for decades. In Atlanta, I am so fortunate to work with the very talented Alan Avery Art Company while maintaining a wonderful relationship with the Matney Gallery in Williamsburg, VA and the Morren Galleries in Utrecht, Netherlands.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://kentknowles.squarespace.com/
• Instagram: @kentknowlesart
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/alanaveryartcompany/
• Other: https://www.scadartsales.com/