Shapey Seas

In Josh Kenyon’s first solo art show he has found an obsession in drawing coral. Shapey Seas is a collection of coral and seaweed paintings and sculptures.

Josh is co-founder and Creative Director for Jolby & Friends, a design studio based in Portland, OR. This show lets him take a break from client work and focus on what he loves; letting his mind wander through art.

Shapey Seas
by Josh Kenyon

Over the past decade, when I’ve sat down to draw or to pull inspiration for design or even to explore my love for food, I have been continuously led back to the ocean. Growing up in Southern California, I quickly fell in love with the ocean and all of the wonders it provides. I have yet to find another subject that I connect with in such a deep way.

It all started when I was playing around with a parallel calligraphy pen and discovered a simple and beautiful way to abstractly draw coral. Since then, I haven’t been able to stop drawing them. From the parallel pen I scaled up and started working with acrylic pens on canvas. In my process of creating Shapey Seas, the drawings are not planned or sketched before I start on them. I turn on some music, stare at the canvas, see the gestures I want to make, and just allow my hand to lead the piece.

This body of work represents trying to find hope in a grim future of the Earth’s dying coral reefs. After I began researching, I learned that the effects of climate change continue to threaten ocean life. I realized I was making these pieces because of a fascination with these creatures also a sadness that they will soon cease to exist. Shapey Seas was a way for me to dive deep and obsess over one subject matter. It was a way for me to feel like I could make something that could inspire others to do something for our planet without becoming a scientist. My goal for this body of work was not to make money. I wanted make something that would allow me to connect with coral and give back to the ocean.

I have decided to donate the proceeds of my show to The Coral Reef Alliance. Their research, restoration, and development with local communities to find a long-term solution for the coral reefs is inspiring and hopeful. I encourage all who view this work to research, donate, and find a way to give back to our planet.