Artsville: Looking at the World Differently with Kenn Kotara

Not Real Art

You might already know this, but here at Crewest Studio, we produce several different podcasts. One of these podcasts is Artsville, which celebrates American contemporary art and craft from Asheville, North Carolina, and beyond. If you’re looking to discover world-class artisans, artists, craftspeople, and makers, Artsville has it all: from painting and pottery to weaving, woodworking, glass blowing, and more! Today, you’ll hear from contemporary mixed-media abstract artist, Kenn Kotara, as we share an interview from the Artsville archives. Based in Asheville, Kenn’s practice is shaped by his lifelong fascination with architecture, philosophy, and literature, and he masterfully expresses himself across canvas, paper, mylar, polaroids, site-specific installations, and even Braille. In this episode, we explore Kenn’s transition from representational to abstract work and the impact that Asheville has had on him as an artist. Tuning in, you’ll find out what working with Braille taught Kenn about being present and mindful, why he believes in the power of art to bridge divides in a world where so many seek to widen them, and how he has devoted his career to looking at the world differently by embracing a myriad of inspirations. We also touch on the paramount importance of education, how artists can practice the art of listening, and so much more. For a fascinating conversation with a side of inspiration and a fresh perspective on life (and art), don’t miss this episode of Artsville with Kenn Kotara!

Key Points From This Episode:

• Kenn’s upbringing, his French Cajun heritage and the Polish origins of his name, Kotara.
• The story of what brought Kenn to Asheville more than 25 years ago.
• What he loves about living and working in the nurturing environment of Asheville.
• The evolution of his work and the impact Asheville had on his practice as a painter.
• Understanding the influence of architecture, graphic design, and technology on his work.
• How Kenn cultivates discipline as an artist and navigates what he calls the chaos of creation.
• Kenn’s work with Braille and the perspective it gave him on empathy and perfection.
• The relationships he has built within the visually impaired community as a result.
• What wearing a blindfold to emulate blindness taught him about being present in the moment.
• Insight into the process of writing Braille and the tools and methodologies that he uses.
• One of the major literary influences on Kenn’s work: Henry David Thoreau’s Walden.
• Reflecting on the significance of his Braille work for those who aren’t visually impaired.
• The power of art to bridge gaps rather than create them, like so many politicians seek to do.
• How Kenn’s site-specific installations encourage conversation and facilitate education.
• Listening as an art form: how Kenn came to be so articulate about his artwork.
• Why Kenn is so devoted to his work in education, even as he formally retires from teaching.

For more information, please visit http://notrealart.com/kenn-kotara