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Check my Instagram page, “ginkostudio”, for studio & painting tips, as well as works in progress.
Artist Bio
Kenton Yoder finally gave in to the urge to paint at age 56. Having always been creative, he never seriously considered art as an outlet. Working in the model toy industry, dabbling in stained glass design, and indulging in many creative hobbies served for many years to satisfy his drive to create something unique.
In 2014, at age 56, after watching his daughter paint with watercolors, he expressed a more serious interest in painting. As a birthday gift, his family gave him the basics to begin painting in acrylics, and he went on to do about 125 paintings in the first year. He started painting in the abstract style because he thought it would be easier while learning painting basics, and because he had never had any talents in representational art. Although, to his surprise, he learned what countless others have learned, that abstract may in fact be one of the most difficult genres in which to paint meaningful works, he continues to enjoy the challenge.
After painting for over a year, he is beginning to find his signature style, which is exploring textures and moods. Mr. Yoder states that his goal is to create paintings which connect with the viewer on an emotional level.
Kenton Yoder lives in north Central Indiana, with his wife and 5 children.
Artist Statement
I feel that the purpose of art is to make a visceral, instinctive connection with whoever experiences it. This connection may be as simple as a pleasing combination of colors or forms. It might be a reminder of a profound, life-changing memory that can no longer be recalled. Whatever level this emotional connection reaches, I believe it is essential. Any intent on the part of the artist to make a deeper statement, be it social, political, or otherwise, will be lost if the viewer does not make a visual, emotional connection with the work.
Whether or not the viewer is able to express or even understand their connection to a work of art, is immaterial. The very fact that an artwork resonates with the viewer validates its existence. It is my goal as an artist to create art that becomes a valued part of the owners life.
Exibitions – Shows – Galleries – Awards
GALLERIES / EXHIBIT SPACES
Arts On Main, Elkhart, IN
Artlink Contemporary Art Gallery – one of 6 artists displayed July 2016-June 2017
LEX530 Gallery, Elkhart, IN
Coppes Commons, Nappanee, IN
Miami County Artisan Gallery
EXHIBITS
Arts On Main,, solo exhibit, Nov 12-Dec 17, 2015
Elkhart Art League, featured artist March 2016
Artlink Contemporary Art Gallery – one of 6 artists displayed July 2016-June 2017
Lakeland Art Association – Oct 2018
Arts On Main – Oct 2018
North Webster Library Gallery – May 2019 Solo Exhibition
Heartland Art Gallery – Nov 2019 Solo Show
North Webster Library Gallery – Aug 2020 Solo Exhibition
2020 Buchtel House, Auburn, IN
2020 Garrett Museum of Art – Joint Show
2021 Buchtel House, Auburn, IN – Shades of Red Exhibit
SHOWS / AWARDS
2015 Elkhart Art League Art Contest
2015 Elkhart Art League Fall Member Show & Contest
2015 Artsyshark Featured Artist Contest
2015 Artlink Ft Wayne Fishman Gallery exhibit contest
2016 Elkhart Art League contest
2016 Artlink Members show
2016 Art Market Magazine Top 60 Emerging Artists, Sep 2016
2016 Elkhart Art League Members Show
2016 Professional Artist cover contest
2017 Elkhart Art League Fall Show – 3rd Place – “Connectivity”
2017 Artlink Regional Art Show
2017 Lakeland Art Assoc Fall Members Show
2018 Lakeland Art Assoc Summer Show
2018 Ft. Wayne Artists Guild – Ventures in Creativity
2018 Honeywell Center Themed Show – Honorable Mention for “Vibrant Shadows”
2018 LaFontaine Regional Fine Arts Show
2018 Heartland Art Gallery Fall Juried Show – Merit Award for “Remnants”
2018 Lakeland Art Assoc Fall Members Show – 1st place for “Don’t Quote Me”
2019 Lakeland Art Assoc Spring Members Show – Honorable Mention for “Hope”
2019 Lafontaine Arts Council Regional
2019 Elkhart Art League Show
2019 Lakeland Art Assoc Fall Members Show
2019 Logansport Art Association contest – Marilou Crisman Award for “Hope”
2019 Ft. Wayne Artists Guild Ventures in Creativity – certificate award for “Elysium Blue”
2020 Heartland Art Gallery Small Wonders Annual Juried Exhibition
2020 Lakeland Art Assoc – Honorable Mention for “Symphony”
2020 Honeywell Themed Contest
2020 Heartland Art Gallery Fall Juried Regional
2020 Garrett Museum of Art Member Show
2020 Honeywell 92 County Show
2020 Logansport Art Assoc – Psi Iota Xi Award for “Elysium Blue”
2021 Lakeland Art Assoc Spring Juried Show
2021 Logansport Art Association – Tom Evers Award for “Just Purple”
2021 Lakeland Art Assoc Fall Members Show
2021 Miami County Artisan Gallery Show
2021 Box Factory For the Arts Show
2021 Heartland Art Gallery 33rd Juried Regional Art Exhibition
2021 Heartland Art Gallery Small Wonders Annual Juried Exhibition
2021 Garrett Museum of Art Open Call Show
2022 Lakeland Art Assoc Spring Juried Show
2022 Garrett Museum of Art Open Call
2022 Logansport Art Association – Second Place + Judges Award for “Paint The Town”
2022 Heartland Art Gallery, 34th Juried Regional
2022 Lakeland Art Assoc Fall Juried Show
2023 Annual Heartland Artists Small Wonders Show
2023 Lakeland Art Assoc Spring Juried Show
2023 Logansport Art Association Fine Art show – Carolyn Cooper Award for “Degree of Certainty”
2023 Lakeland Art Assoc Fall Juried Show – Second Place for “Fading Away”
2023 Honeywell 92 County Show
SPECIAL HONORS
2020 Cass Co. Regional Gallery Inaugural Celebration – Certificate of Excellence
2022 featured on DeBrand Fine Chocolates Special Edition Valentines Candy Box
CLIENTS
Artisan Restaurant, Elkhart, IN
Hotel Elkhart, Elkhart, IN
Parkview Hospital, Auburn, IN
numerous private collections