Enter the vibrant world of Kevin Schott, where art is a reflection of life's rhythm and energy. Rooted in his diverse creative journey—from graffiti to oil painting, music production to DJing—Kevin's evolution as an artist is a testament to the fusion of urban culture and expressive freedom. Embracing a loose style with a penchant for unconventional themes, Kevin's canvases breathe with rawness and authenticity. Join us as we delve into his artistic odyssey, exploring the balance between innate talent and honed craftsmanship, the societal role of artists, and the transformative power of creativity.

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Explain the evolution of your artistic style and your aspirations through this technique. How has your artistic style evolved over time? Can you describe the journey and changes in your technique? What are your aspirations for your style and technique moving forward?

Before I got serious about oil painting, I mainly painted graffiti, produced music and played vinyl as a DJ. I think that being influenced by the Hip Hop and Jungle scene had a strong impact on my expression as a painter in the beginning. When painting graffiti, everything was always super clean and precise, but that changed for me on the canvas. I realized that I particularly like a loose style and a certain roughness as well as unusual themes. Later I began to devote myself to more serious subjects, but I always try to maintain a certain looseness in my paintings. I still love those of my works the most that are not perfectly painted, but which have good color values and interesting contrasts. I think that I will always be drawn to fast and impulsive work, that's what gives me the most.

Discuss the balance between innate creativity and the skills honed through education and practice.

In fact, people often tend to honour artistic works that they like with phrases like “Oh, you're so talented”. Often in these situations, they are not aware that such statements can sometimes have a slightly insulting effect. 

 

Even if you have innate talent, it is still hard work to learn the many facets of the artistic craft and to create an expression that is special. 

 

I have to admit though that I am sometimes amazed at myself. It is almost outrageous that I, as someone who is very lazy when it comes to drawing, still have the ability to render things I see very accurately. The keen eye for detail is what I would most clearly describe as an innate talent, it runs through my memory as one of my most useful traits and has helped me a lot on my journey as an artist so far. 

Contemplate the role and responsibilities of an artist in society today. How do you perceive the role of an artist in today's society? What responsibilities, if any, do you believe artists have towards their communities or the broader public?

For me, artists are a kind of service provider for society. However, as an artist, you are not only paid with money but also with inspiration and appreciation. As an artist, you consume society in its current state and reflect it in your artistic work. Society, on the other hand, can learn something about itself from the work of artists and grow from it. In this respect, I think that there is a certain mutual responsibility and that artistic work must be accessible to everyone, regardless of their purchasing power. 

What are your views on the 'mad artist' stereotype and its relation to creativity and artistic success?

An example: It is said that Van Gogh sold one painting during his lifetime and only became really famous after his death. I think it's likely that a little more popularity and success wouldn't have done him any harm, simply as a person. 

 

Maybe he would have gone to his grave with both ears, who knows? I think it's nonsense to claim that an artist drew his creative strength from his rejection of society and his sense of failure. That seems to me to be part of a romanticized image that some people like to have of artists.

 

Maybe some artists need a bit of pressure to keep to their own deadlines, okay. But basically only being able to work when you're not feeling well doesn't sound like a healthy starting point to me.

Share an experience of discouragement and its impact on your creative output.

For me, one of the biggest discouragements is the disproportion between work and enough money to live on. 

 

Such experiences are a recurring theme in my life and I still find it difficult to get used to them. The times when I've achieved a lot and am still broke are hard to bear, but then I have to persevere and stay positive. 

 

In fact, the purely creative process of my work is not really affected by such situations. (Unless there is a lack of materials or I can no longer pay the rent for my studio, of course). Generally speaking, it always sucks to be broke, whether you're an artist or not. Your quality of life drops and your mood suffers from the stress and existential fear. 

 

At times like these, I consider myself lucky to have loved ones around me who build me up and support me. 

Reflect on your younger self’s aspirations. How has your definition of success evolved with experience?

I understood quite early that success has not mainly to do with financial wealth. For me, success has become something that I can measure by my behaviour towards other people and myself. I think it's important to reflect on yourself and to be able to admit your mistakes. When it comes to my work, as an artist, I think the most important step was to realize that it's important to value yourself and your work and not to be dependent too much on the appreciation of others.

Offer five pieces of advice to artists who are experiencing discouragement or creative blocks.

 ✧ Take your time to look at the work of other artists and admire them without comparing yourself.

✧ Enjoy yourself, do some sort of sports, eat your favourite food and take a bath afterwards.

✧ Try to paint something simple and relaxing.

✧ Talk to friends, preferably artist friends, problems become smaller if you can share them and you don't feel alone.

✧ Good music and dancing.

What are some upcoming projects or plans you are excited about?

I’m planning several new series at the moment, including one with portraits of friends. I would prefer to paint this series in a classic way, from life. I have neglected that a bit and the thought of the exchange with the models during the sessions is super exciting for me. I also really want to paint more landscapes, for me that is pure relaxation. I don’t know exactly what will come out on top in the end, but basically, I like to let myself be guided intuitively as most of the time.

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As Kevin Schott navigates the ebb and flow of creativity, his art emerges as a mirror to society's pulse, reflecting the beauty of imperfection and the richness of urban culture. With each stroke of his brush and each beat of his music, Kevin embodies the essence of artistic resilience and self-discovery. Follow Kevin's artistic journey on Artit.