K. L. Turner

Completely self-taught in a large variety of mediums, I still prefer the old ways. Oil paints are probably my favorite artistic medium, but in the interest of time and convenience I usually reach for acrylics or oil pastels when creating 2 dimensional works. My main outlet these days however is sculpture. Again, the old ways are my favorite here and my medium of choice is good old wax. Neither as glamorous nor as modern as polymer clay, wax offers me several advantages. Because it is an organic material, it almost seems to sculpt itself under my fingers. Its ability to melt and flow allows me to create that fluid element I desire. And it is easily moulded, and reuseable. I have used the same wax to sculpt almost all my work, breaking down the old to create the new.

Although I tend to work in dark subjects, I do not like to be exclusive in this. Mythos themes are common, but there are some themes in my work that cross into other genres. I believe that it is impossible to adequately represent dark themes without having a working knowledge of “light” themes (what others would consider more “beautiful” work). However, even these pieces often have an underlying sinister or macabre element or message. “Pushing Up Daisies” is a good example of this- the flowers and the child represent life and beauty- but they themselves are dependent on the cycle of life/death for existance. Would the girl love the flowers any less if she knew of their source? Does she give any thought to the fact that she is causing the flowers to die by plucking them? Does it occur to her that some day she, too, will be on the other side, pushing them up from the ground?

Like any artist I would like to think that my style is unique, but only a cave man raised by wolves could really say that for certain. We are all influenced by those around us and those who have come before us. In my own work I often imagine elements of others who’s work I admire; Theodore Geisel (Dr. Seuss), HR Giger, HP Lovecraft and Vincent Van Gogh to name just a few, as well as broader cultural themes such as Dia de los Muertos and Celtic designs.

Almost all of my sculptures and 3 dimensional works are offered either as limited signed edition castings or as unlimited productions. I also offer most of my original paintings as high quality prints. Email K. L.