Artist John Kraft

My First Confession
I'm a bit odd

For most people, the phrase fun in the sun brings to mind beaches, cabanas, poolside margaritas or crashing waves... But for me, it can also mean a long day in jeans and a black shirt, under a white tent, talking to people about my art; all while strong winds threaten to carry me (and my art) far far away. This past weekend I had the pleasure of participating as a guest artist outside Norton Factory Studios in Oakland - and... I had a blast! I met many new people and saw quite a few old friends as well. 

My Second Confession
I steal chalk from my kids

In my defense, I do believe that stealing chalk for the purpose of creating a bit of street art is a pretty good excuse - but still, my girls were quick to remind me that I need to replenish their supply... Fair enough. It was a fun way to extend my Flower Power collection from the art on the wall to the ground beneath my feet.

The sun, wind and stolen chalk combined and resulted in a happy collector deciding to go home with my piece, Aquarius.

My Last Confession
This is What it's All About

The image above is what it's all about for me as an artist. I care so deeply about creating joyful and accessible art that when someone new decides to make my art a part of their life - it could be raining beneath a full solar eclipse - and I'd still feel like the luckiest guy in town. 

I am very happy to share my latest piece, Wild Honey! The newest addition to my Flower Power series is also the largest, measuring 48 inches by 72 inches. It is also distinguished from the other works in the series because I've finished it with multiple coats of varnish vs. epoxy resin. More detail can be seen in the photographs below. This is a big piece that makes a big statement, wether it be in a home or in a corporate setting. So if you're ready to GO BIG - this is the perfect opportunity! Learn More... More photos below!

 

As a visual artist and someone that also gives marketing and social media workshops for artists, I'm a firm believer in the phrase, "a rising tide lifts all boats"... In that spirit I want to share a bit about the resin I use to create my original mixed media pieces. I can't count the number of conversations I've had with fellow artists that have always been curious about resin, but for one reason or another - process concerns, health concerns etc. they have hesitated to dive in. I'm very quick to share with them that I use something called Art Resin, and yes - it's from a company called Art Resin ( artresin.com ) 

Now you might be saying, gee whiz, that sounds like a plug for Art Resin. Well, I'm happy to say - yes, that's exactly right. I hesitated working with resin for YEARS for a number of reasons... The first was concerns about it being toxic... But Art Resin is zero VOC and doesn't have the nasty odor associated with other resins.  I was also a bit overwhelmed about the idea of learning how to use it, but the Art Resin website and YouTube channel have tons of examples and how-to info. 

The last reason I tend to support and advocate for these folks is the company is owned and run by some genuinely cool and down to earth people - David and Rebecca. You'll see them in many of the videos. They are authentic, fun and really just want to help people create cool art. The fact that they are a young family making a living doing what they love is a big added bonus in my book.

So, with all that said, I encourage any artists that are on the fence to give Art Resin a try. Start with something small and work your way up. Go for it!

Till next time...
John

johnkraft.com

I've had the pleasure of getting to know the founder and publisher of Marin Arts & Culture Magazine, Meredith Browning Griffin, and I recently contributed an article to the magazine that highlights the creative and family side my life with Nikki and the girls. I invite you to click through and view the full article and consider the free subscription to the magazine as well. Read Full Article

The first of two Marin Open Studios weekends just wrapped up, and I'm grateful to those of you that were able to join me in person or follow the event online. I had an amazing time meeting so many new people as well as long-time friends and collectors. I'll be doing the whole thing again on May 13th and 14th so if you're in the bay area be sure to join me. More details on my Marin Opens Studios page. Thank you!

I recently presented a new collector and her daughter with two pieces she had commissioned - in the style of my new Flower Power series. I've been so happy with the response to this new series and it was wonderful to create these custom one-of-a-kind pieces. If you would like to discuss a commission for your home or as a gift, please contact me today and let's make it happen. :)

The latest piece from my Flower Power series, L'amour est Bleu, was one of only twelve works featured in the Live Auction portion of the ArtSpan Art Bridge Benefit Art Auction on March 24th. I'm happy to share that the piece sold for well over retail after some exciting bidding! (View Video of the Live Auction) So honored to have been selected for the live auction and glad for the support it provides for ArtSpan.

Thrilled to share that my piece, Through the Fire...Remembrance, was sold for WELL above the opening bid to Green Creative Co-CEO, Cole Zucker. I created this piece specifically for this event and I'm happy - through Cole's purchase - to be able to provide support to the San Francisco Firefighters Cancer Prevention Foundation - headed by genuine hero and foundation president, Tony Stefani. 

I'm happy to announce that my piece, Sky Kiss, will be featured on the cover of this year's Marin Open Studios Guide! I'm honored to have been selected by the MOS board of directors. In addition to the guide you'll find my art in an upcoming issue of Marin Magazine and other bay area publications. Join me at my home studio in Marin for open studios during the first two weekends in May! 

RSVP via the Facebook Event Page.

I'm very proud and honored to have my piece "Through the Fire...Remembrance" featured in the live auction at the upcoming Art of Fire Gala at Terra Gallery on March 4th. The event benefits the San Francisco Firefighters Cancer Prevention Foundation. 

Artist's Statement

I created Through the Fire...Remembrance to honor those San Francisco firefighters who have died of cancer and to celebrate those who continue to fight for the rights and well-being of this community. The composition is an allusion to the remembrance ceremony held at San Francisco’s City Hall combined with a view of Coit Tower, which has long served as a symbol of the sacrifices made by San Francisco’s firefighters. The flowers that fill the boots resting on the steps rising up Telegraph Hill symbolize reverence and hope - and most importantly...love.

Overview of the event

Join us in celebration of our 10th Anniversary and our commitment to the early detection and prevention of cancer in both active, and retired San Francisco Firefighters. An exciting evening featuring reception, Silent Auction of Photographs from THE ART OF FIRE Fighting the Beast Exhibit, Hosted Bar, Dinner, Live Auction featuring John Kraft’s original print Through the Fire – Remembrance. As well as a very special presentation honoring filmmakers James Redford & Kirby Walker for their HBO Documentary Toxic Hot Seat and UCSF’s Dr. Marshall Stoller. Special guests include actors Evan Handler and BD Wong. The evening will close with Dessert & Dancing to The Fabulous CruiseTones.

EVENT SOLD OUT!
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