Issue link: https://www.e-digitaleditions.com/i/977271
140 C A R M E L M A G A Z I N E • S P R I N G / S U M M E R 2 0 1 8 In my book, "The Endless World of a Moment," I use my very favorite quote by Nicolai Fechin, "What an artist fills his canvas with is not so important. What is always important is how he does it." This has always ser ved as my motto during the creative process. CM: Is there a type of person who seems drawn to your pieces? Do you find any similarities in your clients? What do they tell you they enjoy about your work? AK: I do strongly believe that the majority of my col- lectors see past the subject matter and truly enjoy the organic-like texture of the execution in all of my paint- ings and notice the sense of discovery in my drawings. It is always such a delight to speak with a collector who also finds something more profound in my work than I anticipated in showing. And the best compliment I hear is when collectors tell me that they use their own imagination to "finish" the moment in my work and that they don't get tired of looking and searching while viewing my paintings. That is one of my goals. CM: What do you hope people will experience when they view your art? Why is art so important to humanity? AK: I often use comparison of reading a book or watching a movie. In movies, everything is created for the viewer, where in books, a writer cre- ates the characters or the scene. That's why the Russian classic writers are known around the world as the best creators of human souls by using their own unique language while describing a character. While reading a book, we create the characters in our own mind and that's why we hear often that the book was so much better than the movie. It's kind of similar in my work. I challenge the viewers' minds. Ar t has no definition any longer in this world. Unfor- tunately, many people are afraid to experiment with painting or drawing, thinking perhaps they are not good enough or they need to go to school for a long time. Ar t is a way to express yourself, just like any other genre, not to mention it's ver y therapeutic. Besides merely enjoying the creative process, star ting with an idea and a blank canvas, it's a true passion. Why arts are important for humanity? It is a phenom- enal and unique way to express yourself and that's one of those 10 elements which make a human being feeling whole. It is a significant part of true happiness! CM: Anything else you would like to add? AK: I want to thank Jones and Terwilliger Galleries and its dynamic and ambitious owners Patricia and Barbara from the ver y bottom of my hear t for giving me such an incredible oppor tunity to present my latest work. I was inspired by another trip to Italy last summer (the Amalfi Coast, Tuscany and Milan). I also want to communicate to fine ar t lovers and collectors my own vision of that par t of the world—rich in colors, character, and beauty—translated and interpreted through the human figure. Jones & Terwilliger Galleries hosts an artist opening reception for Andre Kohn on May 12 from 5-8 pm. Jones & Terwilliger Galleries are located at Sixth Avenue between San Carlos and Dolores in Carmel. Kohn's solo show will be up through May 31. For more information, go to www.jones- terwilliger-galleries.com. To RSVP to the event, please call 831/626-9100. "Fashionistas" from "Best Friends Forever" series. "Kohn catches the joy of all the moments that make up life," says Terwilliger.