Alex Couwenberg
Evergleam, produced and fabricated by Shortomatic.com
Fabric
2010
Making paintings has always been a part of me. If I am not physically making them then I am looking, reading, or thinking about them. Aside from the visual vocabulary that takes place, my paintings are about the Southern California aesthetic. Surfing, skateboarding, the beach, custom cars, mid century design and architecture are just a few of the things that fuel the work. When I became a parent I never believed in the idea that my lifestyle had to change, instead there was a new addition to the flow of life as I knew it. My kids went with me to the beach to surf, the skatepark to skate, concerts to listen to bands play, art exhibits, and traveled where ever we went. All of their brand new life experiences were equally new and refreshing to me, just seen through different eyes. From the start the family structure has always remained together and as one. My art practice is no different in that I enjoy having my children around me when I paint. Unlike many artist who go to the studio to find quiet time to make work, I welcome my family into my space. We laugh, talk, discuss ideas, and make art. I am constantly surprised by what my kids say and make. Their contributions are always raw and from the heart, without any filter or editing, good or bad, they have not been spoiled by any outside ideas. The energy that they produce has always been a welcomed and positive addition to the way I see things and as a result make paintings.