When I sent out the message on Secret Belfast explaining what we were looking to do, the Facebook wall and my inbox was soon bunged with images and links from an eclectic bunch of artists.
One of the artists in my inbox that caught my attention was Ken’shin Jones. I managed to coerce Ken’shin into doing a quick interview for the blog...check out the interview, as well as some of Ken’shin’s art below.
Hello Ken'shin, thanks for speaking to us.
You're welcome
How would you describe your art?
I’m not sure what genre I fall under, I don’t really worry about stuff like that. I just know what artists I like and what I like to create.
What artist’s work do you look at before embarking on a new project?
There are a load of different people whose work I like. I think Magnus Blomster’s illustrations are pretty cool, striking and original which is what I like. Cryssy Cheung is another illustrator who’s work I am a big fan off – very distinctive. Gary Fernandez is probably my favourite illustrator at the minute – lots of lines and shapes and all slightly warped.
All these illustrators have created very complex work, but I prefer a simpler canvas, which is why I also look to photographers a lot for inspiration. Irving Penn creates very striking simple images that are also very stylish. I like the simplicity of Lillian Bassman’s black and white portraits.
But you can find inspiration anywhere. I was down in the Black Box a few months ago and there was work by a local artist called Peter Strain (I think!) and I thought it was very distinctive. Kev Largey is someone who’s work I always enjoy. I was down at BASE and loved seeing what everyone was up to.
What sets you apart from other artists?
I am very much a 21st Century person. I love all things digital and like that reflected in my art. I also like to keep up to date with what is going on in fashion and music both locally and overseas.
There are so many different trends emerging in Belfast, each with their own very individual style and that is great for a bit of inspiration. But in today’s digital world you are only a Google search away from seeing what is going on in other countries.
Ken’shin will be exhibiting at the upcoming Secret Belfast Art Exhibition in the Craftworkshop (29 Wellington Place) along with a host of other undiscovered talent.
The exhibition will open on December 2nd (7-9pm) and will be running throughout December.
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