Artist David K. Hohenstein
Introduction
David Hohenstein is primarily a visual artist specializing in drawing, painting and printmaking with experience in woodworking, ceramics and creative writing. He has had four years of Fine Arts Education and over ten years as a practicing Artist. His work focuses on expressive representations of human and animal forms that are inspired by narrative, poetry, spiritual themes, organic aesthetics and design.
His lifelong interest in the arts has led to projects in theater, music, museums, teaching, poetry and writing circles, performance art, sign painting, figure drawing and painting, exhibiting and curating. Recently he has registered Hohenstein Studios, his own art business, and has been participating in markets across the Michigan Tri-City area, as well as accepting commissioned art projects.
Exhibitions
2022 - “What the Heart Wants” - Solo Artist, The Art Department, Bay City MI
2019 - The Art of David K Hohenstein - Featured Artist, Urban Beets Cafe, Milwaukee WI
“The Off Beat Art Experience” - Exhibiting Artist, Dandy, Milwaukee WI
“Art & Music” - Exhibiting Artist, WMSE Pritzlaff Building, Milwaukee WI
“Reflections” - Curator and Exhibiting Artist, The Dream Lab, Milwaukee WI
2018 - Rochambo Art Show - Curator and Exhibiting Artist, Rochambo, Milwaukee WI
2016 - “Ethos” - Exhibiting Artist, Charles Allis Art Museum, Milwaukee WI
2015 - Senior Thesis Exhibition - Exhibiting Artist, University of Wisconsin Milwaukee
2014 - “Art Keeps Us Sane” - Exhibiting Artist, The Cocoon Room, Milwaukee WI
Publications
The Quasimondo Physical Theatre, Milwaukee WI, 2012 - 2018 https://www.quasimondo.org/
The Constructivists Theatre, Milwaukee WI - 2019 https://www.theconstructivists.org/
Artist Statement
I make art because it is something that makes sense to me. It is a way to connect with others, explore the world around me and express what is within me. When working on a piece, it is an experience of being on a journey and of being at home. Art has been a solace, a purpose, a passion, a gift, a challenge, and a continual learning experience.
I work in traditional media because it is grounded. I use my hands, body, mind, and heart to make something with essence or function from physical materials. It is a way to practice artmaking and craftsmanship that connects me to art history, those artists and the materials we use. Major artistic influences have been Expressionism, Art Nouveau, Religious/Spiritual Art and Classic Illustration. The art of Posters is another form that has inspired me for years. The cohesive combination of artistic imagery and typography along with the accessibility and freedom of the medium has a vast and fascinating potential and appeal.
My inspiration comes from a desire to create and communicate a range of messages, moods and experiences. My main subjects are of human and animal forms and portraits. I make stylized realism that is expressive by using colors and lines that are both subtle and strong. I use composition and detail to enhance the depth and feeling. Themes of darkness and light come through the work and chaos is often balanced by stillness, beauty and hope.