| This is a very special isssue of TS. It marks our third full issue with the art gallery in place. And, by all near florida-style counts, it is also the third anniversary of TS's life online. With this in mind, it seems only fitting that this third gallery issue be featuring a major icon - a true artist with a tested presense - in the world of post-post modern art. And I am proud to have the work of Steve Kaufman to share with you.
I met Steve at the October 19th unveiling of two of his latest works, 'Hollywood Marilyn' and 'Young Sinatra' (which are included in the gallery), at Contemporary Fine Art in Bethlehem, Pennsylvania. He's been heralded as Andy Worhol's successor and the Pop-King of Pop-Art around the globe. His kingdom is a stronghold of color. A bold statement of line, capturing the emotion of his subject in full, rich color. Original (and authorized) portraits of such icons as Marilyn, Sinatra, Mohhamed Ali, et al. hang in some of the most prestigious galleries and literarlly sell from the walls at openings everywhere.
Being such a fan of his work, I was nervous and feeling ill at ease to think of meeting the person who I consider to be one of the innovative leaders in art today. His unique, signature style is bold, efferverscent, and so much more than Warhol's ever was. When Steve does a portrait, he captures the essence of the subject, includes the elements of their life, almost romancing them to life from the canvas. He does not use color to make his statement; he commands it, and he does so with studied skill and almost fauvish emotion. Steve Kaufman is truly one of the great artists, one of the master story tellers of our time.
But these facts do not make him indomitable. When you read his bio, you'll note that he came from the streets of the Bronx and in it you'll see shades of that same tough pride, the tenacity and dedication to the arts, that has helped to make him such a global success. When Steve speaks, he shares stories of that street-wise upbringing with candor and a touch of that same tough pride. He is warm, open, and captivating. As colorful and bold as his art and he is completely devoid of pretense.
Beyond his artistic skill and his complete openess, his sheer vitality and vivid expression, it is his warmth and genuine demenor that set him well above the fray. And this is what makes him truly an icon and completely indomitable.
My personal thanks to Steve for lending his positive aura and exceptional work to this very special issue of Thunder Sandwich. And a strong round of applause, love and true appreciation, to Jim Chandler, the real editor around here, who has kept the Thunder rumbling in the sky and who has been my steadfast year-long friend as well as my source of poetic inspiration (for almost 20 years). |
