By the Book: Stanford Kay

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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 by Stanford Kay — 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 by Stanford Kay — Bacillus, acrylic on canvas, 36×40

Secret Passage by Stanford Kay — 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 by 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.

Comments

11 responses to “By the Book: Stanford Kay”

June 26, 2012

naimeless

This is beautiful! I also think you’re right, his words are just perfect.
June 26, 2012

35andupcynicismonhold

It’s my first time to see books as the subject of paintings. he’s so clever! 🙂 thanks for sharing…
June 26, 2012

the organic artist

where is the “LOVE” button!
Thnx Lesley!
June 26, 2012

Faires Fine Art

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
1. June 26, 2012
  
  Lesley
  
  What wonderful words to read! Thanks so much, Kimby. I’m truly humbled. 🙂
June 26, 2012

Nicole

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!
1. June 26, 2012
  
  Lesley
  
  As both a lover of art and books, I wholeheartedly agree, Nicole! 😉
June 27, 2012

emocrippled

Reblogged this on emocrippled.
1. June 27, 2012
  
  Lesley
  
  Thanks for reblogging!
  
  Cheers,
  Lesley
June 28, 2012

Jo Howe

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!
1. June 28, 2012
  
  Lesley
  
  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