Ken Blakemore

Art became my lifeline because language was my burden. Language skills are not created equal in all humans, some of us are born with a neurobiological disorder called dyslexia, making communicating very difficult. I experienced this as a young child in school, being punished for not being able to pronounce words correctly.

When I grew up no one knew about a learning disability called dyslexia, leaving me to navigate a world that did not readily understand my struggles. My journey into art began and was born from the very challenges that once held me back.

My teachers recognized my limitations with words and encouraged me to draw. Something shifted, and in the quiet, deliberate strokes of a pencil, I found a language that made sense.

From a pencil to learning the craft of painting became more than a passion; every step in the process exhilarated me, driving me not only to master the skills of art, but to manifest meaning, to communicate my experiences that words alone could never adequately capture.

My art, therefore, is a testament. It is also intended to provide pleasure and beauty, to challenge our perception, and to ignite the depth of our emotions.

My work defies a single idea or style; it is a journey of constant evolution, rooted in imagination. I challenge established concepts and explore diverse subjects using a range of techniques, from large abstract expressionist canvases to intimate figurative studies.

I paint in Hilo, Hawaii, where Donna and I also pack and ship every original ourselves.