The Next Generation | Kyle Polzin - Southwest Art Magazine

Kyle Polzin, Tuesday Delivery, oil, 30 x 44.

How has your work evolved in recent years? I have been able to spend more time on each painting, researching and developing my ideas. Since I am primarily a still-life painter, I’m constantly seeking interesting and relevant items to include in my paintings. Then I spend time researching my subjects so that my paintings tell a visual story through those objects.

Where do you find inspiration? Inspiration comes to me through experiences I have, people I meet, movies I see, and songs I hear. For instance, on a recent trip to Mexico, I walked past this old man rolling cigars outside of a shop. I stopped and watched for a few minutes. The smell of the tobacco leaves, the old wooden table, and the tools he used fascinated me. I might have to do a painting of that!

What are you most proud of? I have been fortunate to steadily sell my art for the last 20 years. When I look back at how far I have come from the first time I sold a painting, I can see that it has been a long journey of many small steps. I feel very fortunate, and it makes me proud to think that I have been able to support my family with my art.

Describe yourself in one word. Patient.

Tell us a little bit about your studio. My studio is small and dark, except for the light above my painting. The easel I use is one I built myself and have made many modifications to the design along the way. I have a few shelves with some of my favorite objects on display, there’s a comfortable leather chair, and in the corner, there is always some project that I am working on. Right now it’s an old saddle that I am restoring and that I will eventually use in a painting.

People would be surprised to learn that… I make a lot of the items that are in my paintings. Or rather, in many cases, I modify the objects by adding some details to make them even more interesting.

How has the pandemic changed your art habits over the past year? Many of my normal deadlines and commitments were pushed back. This definitely eased the pressure a little and, now that my axe is sharp again, I’ve noticed that some new and creative ideas have begun to pop up in my mind.

What would you be if you weren’t an artist? It’s funny, my daughter asked me this the other morning. I think I would be an architect.

Favorite non-art-related thing to do? When I’m not painting, I enjoy sailing my Hobie Cat and traveling with my wife and our girls.

What galleries represent your work? Legacy Gallery, Scottsdale, AZ.