Daily Artsy Paintings

By the Book: Stanford Kay

Posted on June 26, 2012

I don’t always read Artist Statements but sometimes one just describes the artist’s work and vision so perfectly that I don’t feel like there is any way my words can improve upon it.  Such is the case of New York artist Stanford Kay.  His artist statement was so completely lovely, I’d like to let him speak for his own work.

What I Know About Her, acrylic on canvas, 50×60

“At first, there is paint and desire. Paint is applied, removed, and applied again.  It makes suggestions. It is edited without mercy. The image and the need to signify arrive later. Books as images within these paintings offer formal modernist possibilities while also serving as an embodiment of content.”

Bacillus, acrylic on canvas, 36×40

Secret Passage, acrylic on canvas, 36×40

“Both paintings and books are vessels for ideas, experience and memory.  The books we read and the paintings we love and choose to live with, 
define us.  A book requires the reader to assemble images and ideas out of its signs and symbols. Likewise, a painting asks that you translate its strokes and drips into reason and emotion.” — Stanford Kay

Legends of the West, acrylic on canvas, 36×48

To see more of Stanford Kay’s work, please visit his website.  Doesn’t his work make you want to cozy up in a library and read all day?

Featured image is What I Know About Her ( detail ).  All images are via the artist’s website.

Painter, art and artist consultant, traveler, discoverer-- Lesley Frenz blogs and paints her way throughout the West Coast and Northwest, sharing the work she finds significant and meaningful. All while highly caffeinated.

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  • naimeless
    June 26, 2012 at 10:11 AM

    This is beautiful! I also think you’re right, his words are just perfect.

  • 35andupcynicismonhold
    June 26, 2012 at 10:35 AM

    It’s my first time to see books as the subject of paintings. he’s so clever! 🙂 thanks for sharing…

  • the organic artist
    June 26, 2012 at 11:38 AM

    where is the “LOVE” button!
    Thnx Lesley!

  • Faires Fine Art
    June 26, 2012 at 11:40 AM

    Again….you have managed to share a beautiful post: books in a painting…..ahhhhh, heaven to me…could one ask for more??? I think not!

    Thank you so much for your continual contribution to the blog world…..a world I am now blessed to be a part of.

    Have a lovely day,

    k i m b y

    • Lesley
      June 26, 2012 at 3:56 PM

      What wonderful words to read! Thanks so much, Kimby. I’m truly humbled. 🙂

  • Nicole
    June 26, 2012 at 1:29 PM

    I love this!!! I couldn’t agree more with his statement, “Both paintings and books are vessels for ideas, experience and memory. The books we read and the paintings we love and choose to live with, define us.” It’s so true!

    • Lesley
      June 26, 2012 at 8:57 PM

      As both a lover of art and books, I wholeheartedly agree, Nicole! 😉

  • emocrippled
    June 27, 2012 at 8:02 AM

    Reblogged this on emocrippled.

    • Lesley
      June 27, 2012 at 8:13 AM

      Thanks for reblogging!

      Cheers,
      Lesley

  • Jo Howe
    June 28, 2012 at 12:21 PM

    Reblogged this on Jo is Howeunique and commented:
    Another great find from the creative explorer that is Artsy Forager… This one especially appeals… For obvious reasons!

    • Lesley
      June 28, 2012 at 12:46 PM

      Thanks so much for reblogging, Jo! Isn’t it interesting how many artists gain such inspiration from books? Love what Stanford Key had to say about the correlation.

      Cheers!
      Lesley