Rigor Vitae: Life Unyielding
For several years this self-taught artist lived in his van, where he honed his skills by painting for up to 100 hours each week. From these humble beginnings, Carel has grown in stature in the wildlife art world to receive some of its most distinguished awards, among them the Arts for the Parks Wildlife award, in 1992, and the Best of Show at the 1995 Southeastern Wildlife Art Expo and the 1995 and 1998 Pacific Rim Wildlife Art Shows. In 1994 he was elected to membership in the Society of Animal Artists; this prestigious organization bestowed him their highest honor, The Award of Excellence, in 1994, 1996, 1997, and 2004.
Brest van Kempen’s art is all at once beautiful, unique, and challenging. It is beautiful in composition, and his technical abilities make portraits seem more like views from a window. African Elephants at the base of Kilimanjaro can make an arresting image, but it is also a scene frequently illustrated. But how about a Salvadori’s Monitor pursuing a Naked-tailed Rat in the forests of New Guinea? A Great Pied Hornbill tossing a fig in the air? A Fishing Bulldog Bat capturing a River Needlefish under the reflective backdrop of a South American moonlit sky? Or a pair of Maned Wolves playfully chucking a Three-banded Armadillo? This is why Carel’s art is unique. And hidden in most panoramas are other creatures and tiny dramas that unfold. Then there are unsettling elements, like when the viewer realizes that animals are much more intelligent than we give them credit for? This is why his art is challenging.
Carel Pieter Brest van Kempen’s art will fascinate anyone with an appreciation for nature and fine art. If you love wildlife and the arts, you’ll be proud to display this book on your coffee table!
Pages:
1 2 3 4