10 Questions with Kenneth Henckel
Kenneth Henckel took the painting seriously 11 years ago.
Before that, he had been around diverse types of media, such as photo art, video art and graphic design.
Kenneth Henckel portrait
ARTIST STATEMENT
Kenneth Henckel's paintings show us a surreal, subtle, sometimes tormented universe.
He pictures anecdotes, crazy humor and modern everyday nightmares.
Welcome to reality.
Animal behavior © Kenneth Henckel
INTERVIEW
You are a self-taught artist, but you have been working with painting for over 10 years. How did you start getting interested in art? And what keeps you motivated?
Since I was a teenager, I have had a desire to express myself either through music or drawing. Later, music took over for a period, but I gradually became interested in photography, graphic design, and video art.
I seriously started painting 11 years ago, and that has now become my great passion. The motivation in expressing myself is a need I have and is such a big part of my personality that it is impossible for me not to create.
What do you wish you knew about contemporary art before you got started?
Through my interest in photography and video art, I have been well aware of contemporary art. Still, I have always made what I have felt at the moment, without being under the influence of the term of contemporary art.
The bats © Kenneth Henckel
The challenge © Kenneth Henckel
Can you tell us about the process of creating your work? What aspect of your work do you pay particular attention to?
I begin with image searches on the web that somehow speak to me. Maybe it's a particular expression that catches my attention or a specific situation. Anything that emotionally and visually captures my eye.
I process the photographs in my imagination and let the image flow out through my hand and my brush. For me, it is the contrasts that show up along the way, the shadows, the dark sides, that allow us to appreciate and feel all the good things that life offers.
There must be room for everything, anything else is unnatural for me. So why not paint these different states of mind that most of us experience from time to time.
What is the most challenging part of your work?
The process is my challenge, from idea development to the beginning of a new painting. I never know where it will take me, and suddenly I have the complete image and title in my head. It's an exciting creative journey.
For me, it is the best therapy when I get the feeling from a new painting, that it expresses my original idea and thoughts, especially when I feel that there has been a development in my efforts to become a better artist.
What is your favorite experience as an artist so far?
When I have finished a painting that I am proud of, someone buys it and appreciates the art for what it is.
It is motivating with positive attention and constructive feedback. In addition, I have been very inspired by other artists' use of different materials and painting styles, which have given me the desire to experiment.
Do you have a role model that you’ve drawn inspiration from when creating your art?
I cannot say I have an artistic role model. There are definitely artists I admire and respect, because they somehow inspire me and give me a feeling of substance. This is how I would like to see myself too, and my intention is to try to live up to it.
Connected forever © Kenneth Henckel
A lovely day © Kenneth Henckel
What are you working on now, and what are your plans for the future? Anything exciting you can tell us about?
Right now, I have a desire to experiment with different materials.
In my recent work, I smeared cement on the canvas and then painted the motive after it had dried up. My future plans are to experiment where I find new materials that can develop new results and get them exhibited in Denmark and abroad.
Do you find that the shift to digital exhibitions and art fairs has helped you promote your work?
I believe that physical exhibitions provide great exposure and sales. However, digital exhibitions are a new path where serious exposure can speak for the individual artist. There are so many people who have a desire to paint and also want to draw attention to themselves on the internet, that it creates a drowning feeling.
That damn plastic © Kenneth Henckel
What do you wish to accomplish this year, both in terms of career goals and personal life?
I would like more people to really understand my art and see the numerous angles and different states of mind. I would love to join galleries that know how to appreciate my art. I hope to keep a constant curiosity in my mind and develop my art.
Finally, share something you would like the world to know about you?
I am just a human being of flesh and blood with a life full of sorrows and joys, the ups and downs of life. I live in the moment and what I feel here and now. That's what I use in my art. I try always to be true to myself and believe in what I do as an artist.
