Artist Spotlight
Name: Ernesto Kunde
City: Miami, FL
Birthplace: Paraiso do Sul, BRAZIL
Artistic Medium: Painting and Mixed Media
How did you get started? I have always had a passion for art. Growing up in Rio Grande do Sul, I was inspired by the scenic, pastoral surroundings and used whatever resources I could find to paint. Since then I have pursued my interest in painting everywhere I have lived. It is only in the last few years, however, that I have pursued opportunities to show my work professionally.
Who or what are your influences? I am a self-taught artist, so I have innumerable influences. Because I am self-taught I always like to try different techniques. As a result, my influences have changed over the years. Early on I was drawn to the work of the masters like Cezanne, Van Gogh and Monet. More recently, I have really connected with the work of Wolf Kahn and Whitfield Lovell. I am always evolving as an artist and trying to merge different techniques.
What inspires your work? More than anything, I am inspired by my surroundings. I tend to notice details. The light and changing colors of the day and seasons affect my way of painting. I tend to paint my surroundings. The subject of my paintings often reflects places in which I have lived. I am also inspired by history, current events and moments in my own life. Right now, I am working on a series about Miami. The buildings I am painting are current, but one day they will be history and I am trying to capture them before they are gone. Recently, I completed another series on found wood, entitled Revolution Narrative. This series was influenced by current events, namely the revolutions going on in Egypt and Libya. The themes present in this series, though, reflect themes that have been present in wartime situations throughout history.
How does Miami/South Florida influence your work?Miami has a unique energy and way with light that are reflected in my recent work. As I mentioned earlier, I am currently working on a series as a tribute to this great city.
How would you describe your work? My work has really evolved over time. I used to paint primarily landscape and abstract paintings. Now both my subject matter and my techniques are more varied. My pieces on wood tend to be provocative and dark. In contrast, my pieces on canvas tend to be more vibrant and have more splashes of color.
What has been the most unusual reaction to your work from the public? My most unusual response came from an individual who was colorblind. He fell in love with one of my pieces with orange and a lot of black and white contrast, because in his words, "he could actually see it!" In general, though, the reactions are varied and I think reveal as much about the viewers as about the works of art.
What would you like to achieve as an artist? On a professional level, I hope to achieve more exposure and recognition. Recently, I have been showing my work primarily in Ft. Lauderdale, Pompano and Boca Raton. I'd like to break into the Miami scene more deeply and from there pursue opportunities to show my work in other places. From a personal standpoint, my goal as an artist is to continue evolving. I have no idea what I will be doing with my art in five or ten years from now. One step builds on another, but the end result is unpredictable and there are no rules. That is what I love about it.
Upcoming shows:
NOSTALGIA a Solo Show at Rossetti Fine Art Gallery, October 7-17
Where is your work available?
Rossetti Fine Art Gallery
132 S.W. 15th Street (McNab Road), Pompano Beach, FL
954.247.9580
Galerie Jenner
1310 S.W. Second Court, Ft. Lauderdale, FL
954.609.7009
Miami Art League
9709 NE 2nd Avenue, Miami Shores, FL
305.904.2253
My personal website: www.kundeart.com