Toying With Peril #4 Painting

(Mixed media on hand-stitched distressed canvas, top & bottom tacked to hand made distressed wood, sides wrapped) "Toying with Peril" is a decade-long series of mixed media artworks by contemporary artist Kris Gebhardt. Within this extensive collection, Gebhardt delves into the theme of change, emphasizing the necessity of dismantling, destroying, or tearing down in order to rebuild something even more extraordinary. Each figure in this series is presented on a distressed panel of recycled crate wood or hand-stitched distressed canvas, symbolizing the profound metaphor of repurposing to create something greater. This departure from convention adds a captivating layer of interest, elevating the artwork's narrative and sparking intrigue. Gebhardt's signature style is evident in each figure depiction, employing a combination of sketching, scratching, and unconventional media techniques. The resulting visual experience transcends mere aesthetics, captivating the eyes and resonating deeply within the viewer's soul, evoking profound emotional responses. Notably, each painting in the series serves as an artistic scorecard for the rawness of change. Furthermore, the deliberate choice to leave the faces unfinished or partial in the artworks opens the door to interpretation. Gebhardt incorporates a storytelling approach in his artistry. He believes that leaving enough room for people to insert themselves into the artwork is crucial. By intentionally keeping the narrative of the partial figures incomplete, viewers are invited to contribute their own stories and interpretations. Each person sees and interprets a painting differently, allowing for a unique meaning and a personal connection to the artwork.