"Chocolate Delight" by Alexandra Kenitzer, Oil on Canvas, 20x20in, 2017 $400 — "Chocolate Delight" by Alexandra Kenitzer, Oil on Canvas, 20x20in, 2017 $400

"Piña Colada" by Alexandra Kenitzer,  Oil on wood, 38x38in, 2013, $500 — "Piña Colada" by Alexandra Kenitzer, Oil on wood, 38x38in, 2013, $500

Visual art can be an incredibly powerful vehicle for tackling many serious issues of the times, calling attention to the horrors of war or bigotry, or gender and class discrepancies. As an incredibly powerful vehicle, it is also versatile, as capable of glorifying some of the most drool-worthy beauty of this world we all share. Emerging artist and painter Alexandra Kenitzer, self-described as “fixated on pretty and complex objects,” has been leaning towards the latter lately, creating a series inspired by a lovely-looking thing that some use to deal with some ugly things.

“I am intrigued by the craft of cocktails and the celebration that goes along with the consumption of the beverage. I see cocktails as a way of celebrating in any sort of occasion,” Kenitzer said. “I find that they are indulgent because they are so beautifully put together and have such a presence.”

The native of Owensboro sees creative possibilities in and out of her studio, whether inspiration arrives from fashion, pastries or her recent series. “I favor creative mixtures … they have a demure quality and we recognize them because they are timeless.”

A process-oriented artist, Kenitzer likes a large canvas, laboriously executing minute details that communicate the finer qualities of her images. She lovingly lavishes color on both her objects of desire and their backdrops, mixing oils to get the color combinations just right. She cites Kehinde Wiley as one to “obsess over,” specifically how he uses patterns in his coveted portraits.

Her “Martini” has a multi-dimensional effect, eagerly jumping in front of the viewer to create a chaotic space where a cocktail and the wallpaper behind it fuse to suggest a zebra. Yet her “Bloody Mary” and “Pina Colada” use calmer, far more open spaces like a veteran jazz bassist to highlight their few, very important details. Meanwhile, her self-assured donuts stand out against contrasting backgrounds.

Kenitzer paints by hand in a consistent style, varying only when a certain piece requires more – or less – impact. She spends most of her time focused on backgrounds, noting, “Being as close to perfect or perfect is what the pattern painting is about. It becomes more about the complexity of how fine the lines are.”

"Sprinkled Pink" by Alexandra Kenitzer, Oil on Canvas, 20x20in, 2017, $400

Hometown: Owensboro Kentucky
Education: BFA, Oil Painting, University of Louisville Hite Art Institute
Website: www.alexandrakenitzer.com
Instagram: @alexandrakenitzerart

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"Bloody Mary" by Alexandra Kenitzer, Oil on Wood Panel, 30x50in, 2013, $800

"Martini" by Alexandra Kenitzer, Oil on Wood Panel, 25x32in, 2013, $1200

"Lemon Lover" by Alexandra Kenitzer, Oil on canvas, 20x20in, 2017, $400

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Painting

Vignette: Shae Goodlett

Guest User · November 8, 2017

“Humor has always been at the forefront of my work." - Shae Goodlett

"Forever Endeavor" by Shae Goodlett, Acrylic on Wood, 4ft x 2.5ft, 2017, $300 — "Forever Endeavor" by Shae Goodlett, Acrylic on Wood, 4ft x 2.5ft, 2017, $300

Shae Goodlett brings humor and a youthful, gleeful energy to his art that is infectious and bright – even when it tiptoes around darkness. He brings together pop culture and everyday life in ways that are instantly familiar and relatable, and Goodlett finds the fun in every simple detail. “Humor has always been at the forefront of my work,” he says. “Creating imagery that evokes laughter is something that I strive for, as it can serve as a means of connection between two anonymous parties: artist and viewer.”

"Brain Freeze" by Shae Goodlett, Acrylic on Wood, 4ft x 2.5ft, 2017, $250 — "Brain Freeze" by Shae Goodlett, Acrylic on Wood, 4ft x 2.5ft, 2017, $250

After graduating from Bellarmine last spring with BAs in Painting and Digital Arts Technology, Goodlett is currently a first-year graduate student at the University of Louisville, enrolled in the Master of Fine Arts program at the Hite Art Institute with a concentration in Painting and Drawing. He also recently wrote and illustrated his first book for all ages, “What the Moon Saw on Halloween”. Additionally, he often draws amazing donuts.

He refers to the cartoons he grew up watching when he says he uses amusing subjects to present more serious ideas that comment on what’s being discussed around him. He filters these concepts through his personal views to comment at times on politics, religion and other weighty topics through his art.

“I feel that an artist’s work serves as a reflection of his or her soul, built by the creator’s personal past experiences,” he continues. “To be able to apply that to various current events, cultural movements, and conversations in contemporary society is essential to the work of a modern artist.”

He says there is nothing he is more passionate about than his art. He hopes he can find ways to offer new perspectives to viewers of his work. What he wants each viewer to take away, more than anything else, is “how much art-making means to me. The joy and excitement that is brought to my life through each project is something that I will forever be thankful for.”

Hometown: Crestwood, KY
Age: 23
Education: BA in Painting & BA in Digital Arts Technology, Bellarmine University (May 2017)
First year MFA candidate at the University of Louisville's Hite Art Institute: Studio Art & Design. Concentration: Painting & Drawing
Website: shaedraws.com
Instagram: @shaegoodlett