R RATED ART – Inside the Mind of Ken P. Smooth…by RPM & JP ROY

we fear change…but change is necessary and essential for new ideas to grow & prosper. in order for progress to happen, we must try different approaches and methods other than what we’re used to. its good to master something but its great to go on & achieve something that was once out of your reach. if you’re Ken P Smooth, to struggle is to strive. one is defined by what they are able to accomplish in spite of their limitations or restrictions self imposed or otherwise.

Ken P Smooth is a man of 2 minds with 1 great vision: Omni-Punk. on 1 side there is the Stainless Steel, Perfectly Symetrical, Completely Sterile, methodical man who requires impeccable order & perfect working spaces. the other man is the Rusty, Dirty & Stinky explorer of abandoned warehouses, derelict properties, wasted landscapes, the finder & keeper of odd things lost. he is the collector of the discarded, builder of bone & steel. and what do you get when these 2 minds connect & combine their efforts? OMNI-PUNK…

this man has made it known that he sometimes wishes to frighten you & make you feel a little uncomfortable with his art. he refuses to create safe stuff for everyone to enjoy. he’s sick & tired of ‘everybody getting a trophy’ just for playing rather than earning it through hard work & dedication. you’ve got to be totally committed to your vision at all costs, no excuses & no exceptions, especially if its against the grain of the acceptable norm. this man strives to stir the pot to achieve a reaction, any reaction, your reaction, the real feelings that lurk beneath the skin, close to the bone. since he creates from his core, he demands that you are honest & open with your reaction rather than putting on a mask to be agreeable so that everyone is pleased. he expects nothing less than everything…

JP Roy managed to catch the eccentric & elusive artist we know as Ken P Smooth before he went back to work in his warehouse basement art space. The following is an excerpt from their conversation:

J.P. - What is your main source of inspiration?

Ken - Artistic inspiration comes to me from so many sources……science, science-fiction………nightmares, while asleep or awake. I love fear as a motivator. I love watching the human condition as it evolves……..or devolves as I see it. My inspiration does not come from a pretty, happy, place………..but it is beautiful there.

J.P. - What is the message you are trying to get across through your art?

Ken - None really………..I work with alot of varied materials so I do like to promote the whole Reduce, re-use, Recycle ethic when possible.

J.P. - Where do you find all your props?

Ken - My props…….my inventory. It comes from anywhere…….it might have been a a broken sewing machine……..or maybe it was someones dinner. I use anything from, broken dolls, tools and machines to a wide variety of animals bones. Who doesn’t love skulls?

J.P. - Do you ever wonder or think of what people may think before you create a piece?

Ken - No…….my creation is purely selfish……..attention from people is a pleasant side-effect. Although I always think I want to make something a little different than I think they’re accustomed to. I do it for fun……even it’s a piece with a “message”….I like to make people a little uncomfortable or uneasy sometimes. I love to stir the pot so……this is great……art is the ultimate shit-disturbers playground……..and it’s recess time.

J.P. - Where do you see your art going or growing into in the next 2 years?

Ken – In 2 years my art will go all over the place……in more ways than one. Film is on the agenda. I see my pieces increasing in physical volume as I expand as well. I have a few ideas for large installations……I see my art inter-mingling with other artists work………I’m not a big fan of the “fine arts” and I’d like to make this type of low-brow work more accessible for a new type of collector. I think the perception of “art” could use a good kick in the balls sometimes, and I got no problem lacing up my boots for that one…but it’s all baby steps. Building a tight-knit cult takes a bit of time…..and I’ve got lot’s of that……….and a couple ideas that I want to bring to life along the way.

*Prosper Street Productions* proudly presents The RESTRICTED Art Exhibition featuring Omni-Punk breakout artist KEN P SMOOTH,  Friday December 9th 2011 @ 318 Ross Avenue (off of Princess in the Exchange District) from 7pm to Midnight. this limited edition show is being held for ONE NIGHT ONLY with 100 tickets printed for purchase…1st come 1st serve so be sure to contact us through www.prosperstproductions.com or get them in the Village @ Kustom Kulture on River Avenue or For The People on Osborne Street.

this show is a one of a kind event with a unique collection of pieces that are sure to startle, arouse & engage anyone interested in expanding their artistic horizons. WARNING: this show is NOT for everyone…but you’re all invited anyway…proceed with caution & have a good time…