Ken Kutney Art: An
Inspiration to Us AllPurchase your inspirational greeting cards or art
prints directly from Steveston artist, Ken Kutney.  t all started with this email from Vicki Hodgson, owner of Jet-Lag Travel Fashion Boutique in the village:
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"Hi Dave,
If you don't know him, Ken Kutney pastored Steveston Christian Church for several years until developing a serious, potentially lethal and rare blood disorder known as Hypereosinophilic Syndrome (HES) for which there is no cure. He had to go on extended sick leave over a year ago and hardly gets out of bed now. Ken is only in his 30's, has 5 kids under 13, 2 of whom have autism, and resides in a townhouse co-op in Steveston. This is the most positive and loving family you could ever hope to meet. His wife, Joy, is just that. She is always laughing, smiling and eager to help. Talk about inspiring.
Anyway[s] Dave, below is a gorgeous card that Ken developed and is trying to sell to help bring in some income. Joy cares for the kids and doesn't work [outside the home—ed]. Ken is also an author and a darned good one. He is writing a book when he is able to get up and about for awhile. His disorder causes extreme joint pain and he is severely allergic to most foods limiting his food intake. It occurred to me that Ken might also be a great contributing columnist. If you could promote his cards on your website, that would be awesome. Some people just deserve all the support we can give them, and this is certainly the case here.
Thanks, Vicki"
So, I contacted Ken, which launched a series of emails of questions and answers which I needed for this page, and to set up a shopping cart system so Ken could accept online payments for his artwork. My first email from Rev. Kenton J. Kutney tells you a little more: "So nice to hear from you, Dave. How encouraging that you'd want to help spread the word. Email works pretty good for me, but typing is slow and becomes painful before long. Well, same with my art! 'Painstakingly' done. Just a little here and there, with rest and recovery breaks necessary in between.
I have always been creatively adventurous, mostly in the realm of self-learning different musical instruments and writing. I've lost power in my muscles to the point that I really no longer have the ability for that kind of expression. (I don't know how much you know about my rare blood disorder. Been on long-term disability [for] 2 years, and have had to adjust to letting go of many things I've been doing.
"I know this doesn't make business sense, but I'd like at some point to make stuff available by donation (to help charitable causes)."
Several years ago I discovered I also enjoy sketching in pencil and charcoals, and under the mentorship of long-time local artist and good friend, Jorg Haug, my art has suddenly turned full-colour. I have done just a few paintings, and and am only beginning to explore the possibilities of light and texture—much to my delight. I have found the Phoenix Art Workshop to be a treasure trove of supplies and resources.
The bold brightness of this particular watercolour has helped me personally keep perspective in the passing of summer into autumn: Not to slip into |
a negative expectation of things cold and drab and gray, but to choose to look for the beauty where some would only see dead leaves to be raked up. Metaphorically, this extends into how we choose to approach change in the seasons of life. For me, to let go of the negatives of a given day, and hold fast to the blessings large and small with a sense of thankfulness has made all the difference.
So, if there is something pleasing in the artwork, I am glad people, other than my wife, Joy, and kids see that! Even more though, I try to envision what happens with this piece now, as an inspirational card in the hands of thoughtful individuals, adding those delicate personal words of encouragement and hope at just the right time in someone's life, and that 'ripple effect' thrills me most of all." Ken Kutney Art Store ==>
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