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“I paint now works designed to connect self and others to personal balance with bright color forms.”
Early Life and Creative Beginnings
Richard Kanter, born and raised in a conservative Jewish home on Long Island, New York, discovered his creative pulse early in life. At the tender age of 7, he immersed himself in the world of music, swiftly mastering guitar chords and songs. Yet, Richard K’s exploration into creativity did not halt at music; as he matured, he transitioned seamlessly from strumming strings to the fine strokes of drawing and painting.
During his high school years, Richard K honed his skills in art classes, specializing in pencil and charcoal sketches of sports figures and celebrities—a testament to his enduring passion for sports and music. His journey then led him to Franklin & Marshall College in Lancaster, Pennsylvania, where he delved into English studies but ensured art remained a constant through elective courses. To support his legal studies at the University of Miami, the artist ingeniously turned his artistic prowess into a financial resource by crafting content for a Coupon Clipper booklet.
Transitioning Paths: From Law to Art
In 1998, Richard Kanter returned to New York, embarking on his legal career. Yet, even amidst courtroom trials, the artist’s devotion to art remained undiminished. He collaborated with fellow artists and designers, contributing to the creation of graphic displays for trials nationwide. However, the seismic shift in his career trajectory came post-2001, when the aftermath of the September 11th attacks prompted a profound introspection.
Around 2003, Richard K stumbled upon Dan Millman’s “Living Your Life on Purpose,” a book exploring numerology and the Chinese I Ching. It struck a chord, helping him to realign his priorities and perceive himself primarily as an artist. Fully immersing himself in his artistic pursuits from 2005 onwards, he has continued to generate artworks that resonate with his innate creativity and passion.
Richard K: Embarking on a Healing Journey through Art
The year 2007 marked a pivotal moment in Richard Kanter’s artistic journey when he attended a seminar on Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD). There, he learned about the therapeutic potential of art and meditation. Eager to share his creations with a wider audience, Richard K promptly established a website to showcase his work, heralding the true inception of his artistic career.
Richard K’s artistry is best characterized as a blend of “Colorist” and “Abstract Expressionist” styles. Drawing inspiration from Taoist studies, Qi Gong exercises, quantum physics, and neurology, his creations frequently explore themes centered on the natural world, with a particular emphasis on water and energy. His portfolio, aptly titled “Body of Waves,” symbolizes the dualistic nature of humans as both particles and waves. In 2017, the artist expressed his desire for his artworks to serve as conduits, connecting individuals to a sense of personal balance through vibrant color forms.
Inspirations and Aspirations: A Glimpse into Richard K ‘s Artistic Process
Flexible in his approach, Richard Kanter often paints in varied locations, from the quietude of his home to the vibrant energy of parks and beaches. The artist usually immerses himself in rock and roll music while working, entering a meditative state that allows him to focus intently on his art. To explore more of his work, one can visit his website at www.bodyofwaves.com.
Richard K draws inspiration from a diverse array of artists, including Rodin, Monet, Van Gogh, Kadinsky, Chagall, Gaudi, Pollack, and Rothko. His father, an accomplished oil painter specializing in natural landscapes, stands as his primary artistic influence. Regarding his choice of medium, Richard K began with oil pastels and small card stocks, transitioning to acrylic on canvas around 2008/9, attracted by its quick drying time and vibrancy. Looking ahead, he aspires to create larger pieces and aims to become a certified art therapist, wishing to assist others in their healing and creative endeavors.
