Fluid artist Casey Kempter creates abstract art inspired by space, oceans and sea life. Using varying viscosities of acrylic paint, powder pigments and ink, Kempter manipulates the mediums with palette knives, spades and a heat gun, resulting in pieces expressive of movement and saturated with color. Casey’s artwork will be on display at the Cedar Roe branch until April 30, 2023.
Introduce yourself and describe the medium you work in.
Hello, my name is Casey Kempter, and I've been a professional full-time artist since 2017. I work in mixed media, my artwork is based on the Rayleigh-Taylor instability, which occurs at the interface between two fluids with different densities as an upper layer of dense white paint pushes on the lower layer of black paint. A slow mixing process occurs as the paint dries, creating the unique texture. I have found multiple pigments that have this capability, not just black and white pigments. I love to incorporate metallic and color shifting pigments as well in my work.
What inspires your work?
My work is inspired by other fluid artists, music, comic books, movies and pretty much wherever I can find inspiration.
Some other Fluid artists and artists I follow are:
Sheleeart youtube.com/Sheleeart
arthurbros instagram.com/arthurbros
Felipepantone instagram.com/felipepantone
How do you know when a work is finished? How much does the medium control the direction of your piece?
"Art is never finished, only abandoned." Leonardo Da Vinci
I believe an artist always sees imperfections and improvements they could make in their work. It's a matter of the time they are willing to devote to what they see as perfect enough. I like to let my pieces tell me when it's done. If I look at it and think it's something I would be proud to hang in my own space, then it feels done to me.
Has your work with fluid art influenced your other pieces done with more traditional paint techniques?
Absolutely! I also do oil paintings, sculptures and illustrations, so I've recently started to incorporate some fluid painting techniques as well as adding resin elements to those works also!
What is your most important artistic tool? Is there something you can’t live without in your studio?
An apron, pallet knives and gloves. Art can be quite messy, lol. Most importantly a creative space that isn't unorganized, tidiness is key, nothing inhibits creativity more than having to look for your favorite paints or tools.
Please list 5-10 books, movies and/or music that currently inspire you.
Music:
Heavy Metal
Books:
Making It in the Art World by Brainard Carey
Steal Like an Artist by Austin Kleon and
The Artist's Guide: How to Make a Living Doing What You Love by Jackie Battenfield.
Movies:
Anything by Quentin Tarantino
UFO documentaries
Stand-up comedy specials
