The "thrill of the chase" takes form as "a problem to be solved" in the creative process of
artist Kevin Caron's metal and printed sculptures. Much like contemporary sculptor Richard Hunt, Kevin has the uncanny ability to envision the potential hidden in ordinary scrap metal and the intellectual curiosity for creating complex computer code needed in 3-D printed sculptures. Kevin did not grow up wanting to be an artist; instead, he states, “The art has chosen me." Kevin spent six years in the U.S. Navy in his early career, acquiring training in machine shops and aircraft maintenance; this would be the foundation of his later inspiration and success in 3D design. In 1983, completing his military service, Kevin ran a foreign car repair shop. His natural creativity and problem-solving ability, partnered with his ability to think out of the box, made him the go-to guy for his customers with unique needs involving car designs and restorations.
Kevin describes his journey into sculpture as an evolution of a problem to solve, "I needed a privacy screen to shield a work area in my backyard. My imagination revved into full gear as I combed steelyards, scrap piles, catalogs, and roadsides to find the appropriate components to accomplish the task." He finally located the perfect solution in a discarded conveyer belt section. He propped the belt on its side, forming an instant 6-foot screen. Following a few creative additions and alterations, the piece became an artful screen known as Floating Undulations. It wasn't long before Kevin's family and friends wanted similar "art with a purpose" for their environments. The word spread, and a new creative career was born.
Kevin's work displays an innate grasp of space, proportion, and knowledge of physics. He's sensitive to the visual impact, sound, and texture of the environment where the sculpture is displayed. In recent years Kevin expanded into 3-D printed sculpture. He was already working in Computer-Aided Design (CAD) in developing his metal sculpture designs. One day a package arrived from his brother-in-law; Kevin had no idea this would be a pivotal moment in his art. "I received a box with no explanation containing a small replica of a hand. I was on the phone immediately with my brother-in-law resulting in an earful of information on the 3D printing process."
Soon after, Kevin met a local maker, the owner of Cerberus 3D, which creates Deltabot 3D printers. He commissioned a 3D printer that was the largest 3D printer yet. The 8' tall Gigante enables Kevin to print sculptures as tall as 48". The largest sculpture to date is printed in two pieces, reaching 5 ½ feet. PricewaterhouseCoopers in Columbus, Ohio, commissioned the piece titled Epic Swoon. Kevin states, "The 3-D printing process adds a whole new dimension to how I problem-solve using form, texture, color, and light." The sculptures are lightweight, translucent, and abstract in design.
"The 3-D printing process has added a new dimension to how I problem-solve using form, texture, color, and light."
Kevin Caron's sculptures are in private and public collections across the country. He has won numerous recognitions and awards locally and nationally. Kevin's work is represented by; Pearson & Company, Scottsdale, Arizona, Van Gogh's Ear, Prescott, Arizona, and InArt Gallery, Santa Fe, New Mexico. Visit his social media sites to view various examples of Kevin Caron's work or commission a piece.
Email: kevin@kevincaron.com
Website: www.kevincaron.com
