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Currently the Art Director at The Culture House in Olathe, KS, Ken Dela’s main passion, aside from his own art, is mentoring young artists. He experiments with different media and is stylistically versatile. Whether it’s street art or more detailed portrait work, Dela says, “I am always learning and am forever a student. I feel that the minute you stop learning is the minute you stop growing and improving, not just in your craft, but also in your life.” Dela's work will be on display at the Lackman Library through April 21.

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Introduce yourself and describe your work and the genre you work in.

I am a Kansas City Freelance Artist and also the Art Director at The Culture House in Olathe, Kansas where I love to mentor young artists and watch them grow. When I'm not mentoring our youth, I'm a freelance artist who enjoys seeing what combination of mediums he can put together. My goal in art is to share my vision with the world. I enjoy experimenting with different mediums while using a lot of stencils and shaker cans. I am very versatile with what  I can do, that’s what keeps things interesting, anywhere from a street art style to more detailed portrait style work. 

Talk about the work on view. What would you like people to know about it?

Currently, I am working on a series of paintings which are inspired by quotes, sayings, feelings or advice. With our world today so hectic, crazy, busy and bullyish, I use bright contrasting colors with lines and patterns. I am always hoping to capture the attention of someone racing by; encouraging them to slow down, even if it’s just for a second. I feel if I can touch just one person with one of my paintings, then the painting was successful

What’s the most challenging thing about your creative process?

I am always learning and am a forever student. I feel that the minute you stop learning is the minute you stop growing and improving, not just in your craft, but also in your life. The challenge is too not fall into the trap of complacency but to continue pushing yourself, even on the days you don't want to.

Who are the other artists you look to for inspiration?

I have always been inspired by those who pushed the envelope a bit or figured out how to stand out in the crowd. Some of my influences are Andy Warhol for his ability to take his art, mass produce it and make it affordable for the masses. Romero Britto, who is based out of Miami, for his ability to bring happiness through the big, bright, bold paintings and Rene Magritte for the way he could create these dream like illusion pieces without them looking too over the top.

Kwanza Humphrey has been painting for over 25 years. A lifelong resident of Kansas City, Humphrey calls his artistic process a “human centered design approach.” Through his portraits, Humphrey scratches below the surface to show the essence and emotion of humanity. As he states about his creative process: “Painting is an emotional experience for me, so much so that it’s hard to put into words the way I work. Sometimes I have a conversation with myself and shape a feeling. Other times I just let go and let my subconscious take over where color and brush are the medium I use to communicate.”

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Introduce yourself and describe your work and the genre you work in.

I've been painting and making art for as long as I remember. I started drawing very early, around 2-3, and have been painting since about 1996. I'm always trying to learn something new and hone my craft. I paint figure's and portraits mostly in a painterly style to show how I paint rather than just what I paint. 

Talk about the work on view. What would you like people to know about it? 

You will find a collection of drawings and paintings. Drawing is my first love. Each painting starts as a study for me. I use pencil and paper to figure out tone and composition before I commit it to canvas.

What’s the most challenging thing about your creative process?

Time and energy are the most challenging. I have a day job that pay's the bills and its hard to find time after working all day to commit to the studio. Once I'm painting thought, 9 times out of 10 the art gives me energy.

What is about people and the human form that you find so captivating? 

We're all very different, but we have very familiar experiences in our life. Though look different we all experience human emotions and can recognize those feelings in each other. In that way I think we are more alike than different. 

What do you wish to convey when working on a portrait of someone?

I try to capture the essence of that person. I think in general we guard ourselves and where mask's. When I paint people I try to move past that and show some of the emotions we all feel. 

What are your book/music/movie recommendations for checkout from the library? Why?

I would recommend any of the books by Malcolm Gladwell. He offers insightful perspective on the human condition in various aspects that can help you understand the world we live in or at least look at it differently.

Also, could you provide a paragraph or so for an artist statement? 

I have been painting for over 25 years. I grew up here in Kansas City, graduating high school from Lincoln Academy. It was there I was encouraged to pursue art as a profession from Ms Claire Martin-West. I attended Missouri Western State University where I took several painting classes from Jack Hughes. His approach was very hands off unless you were really needing help. I appreciated his approach as it allowed me to develop my own voice. I graduated from there in ‘98 with a Bachelor of Science degree in Commercial Art with an emphasis in painting and illustration. My first exhibition was at the Albrecht Kemper membership show in ’96 where I won best of show for my painting “Blue Funk.” My painting “Ms Flora” won an award in the 35th Annual River market Regional Exhibition, curated by Mr Curlee Ravon Holton, Executive Director, David C. Driskell Center.