Rockwell Kent
Rockwell Kent was an American artist renowned for his multifaceted contributions as a painter, printmaker, illustrator, and writer. Born in 1882, he developed a distinctive style characterized by bold colors and dramatic landscapes, often inspired by his travels to remote locations, including Alaska and Greenland. Kent's artistic endeavors were complemented by his adventurous spirit, as he was also an avid sailor and explorer, experiences that deeply influenced his work. His notable publications include 'N by E,' a memoir detailing his sailing adventures, and 'The Land of the Free,' which reflects his views on American society and nature. Kent's significance lies not only in his artistic achievements but also in his ability to merge art with literature, creating a unique narrative style that captivated audiences. His works often conveyed themes of isolation, nature, and the human condition, establishing him as a prominent figure in American art and literature. Throughout his life, he faced controversies, particularly regarding his political views and outspoken criticism of societal norms, which further solidified his legacy as a bold and innovative thinker. Rockwell Kent's contributions continue to resonate within the realms of art and literature, marking him as a significant cultural figure of the 20th century.
Famous Quotes
View all 2 quotes“All things look good from far away and it is man's eternally persistent childlike faith in the reality of that illusion that has made him the triumphant restless being he is.”
“The bright sun shone upon us; the lake was blue under the westerly breeze, and luminous, how luminous! the whole far world of our imagination. How like a colored lens the colored present! through it we see the forward vista of our lives. Here, in the measure that the water widened in our wake and heart strings stretched to almost breaking, the golden future neared us and enfolded us, made us at last — how soon! — oblivious to all things but the glamour of adventure. And while one world diminished, narrowed and then disappeared, before us a new world unrolled and neared us to display itself. Who can deny the human soul its everlasting need to make the unknown known; not for the sake of knowing, not to inform itself or be informed or wise, but for the need to exercise the need to know? What is that need but the imagination’s hunger for the new and raw materials of its creative trade? Of things and facts assured to us and known we’ve got to make the best, and live with it. That humdrum is the price of living. We live for those fantastic and unreal moments of beauty which our thoughts may build upon the passing panorama of experience.”
