Kevin McCants
Artist

Can you tell us a little bit about what you do?
Yes. I’m a  teacher! A creator! A painter! An artist!

As a teacher it is my job to equip my students with the skills they require to become artists. The kind of artist they would like to be, so it is not necessary for them to copy my style or anyone else’s. I guide them through their personal blockages, where they can find incremental successes that help them find their own creative voices.

As a creator, painter, and an artist, I’m always looking to bring to life an image not yet seen. The subject matter may be familiar but I try to create paintings that resonate first and foremost with my personal aesthetic and secondly with the personal theme I have chosen to paint. Themes like my Reflection Series–through which I use fashion, architecture, mannequins, and movement I’ve captured in fashion windows to make the subject matter come alive for me and hopefully for the viewer as well.

This is what I love to do.

How did you first become interested in art?
I started drawing at an early age; it was a way of expressing myself. If I was feeling an emotion, I found that paper and pencil or crayon was an easy way to release what I was feeling. It was also a  great way to pass the time on cold rainy days. This became a sanctuary for me that was nurtured by my parents. They provided me with the necessary tools and environment to enhance my artist abilities, and this is also at the core of what I try to bring to my instruction.

How does art enrich a community, and what are some ways people can engage with art in Burbank?
Art enriches a community by bringing people together. People of all ages, cultures, and backgrounds can come together to create and share artistic experiences. Whether they are instructors or pupils, viewers or visitors we all benefit from our shared collective experiences.

So if you are in Burbank, you can take classes through the City Of Burbank Parks and Recreation department, or join The Burbank Art Association. You can also see fantastic art at the Betsy Lueke Creative Arts Center Gallery or even do studio tours.  There is lots to do here in Burbank.

If you could share with our community one thing about art, what would it be?
It’s everywhere all the time, so take the time to enjoy it.

To find out more about Kevin and his work, visit his website kevinmccantspaintings.com.