PORT TOWNSEND — Gallery 9’s featured artist for April, Linda Marie Kempe, will unveil an exhibit of her “Flow Energy Art,” a style all her own that she has developed over more than 20 years.
Kempe, formerly Marie Delaney, creates a wide variety of art, from wearable fabric arts to paintings “that jump off the canvas and invoke deep thinking,” organizers said.
“My responsibility as an artist is to let go of preconception and allow the art to create itself through me,” Kempe said in a press release.
Her painting mediums are oils on canvas and board and eco-collage (found plastic objects).
She said her subject matter falls into three realms: the human condition, the ethereal realm and nature.
“In large part, my process is my inspiration,” Kempe said. “The act of bringing forth visions that change as they are portrayed is an extremely moving and humbling experience.”
Among her influences are Hieronymus Bosch, Salvador Dali and Georgia O’Keefe.
“My most important task while painting is letting go, letting the painting be what it is meant to be,” Kempe said.
“That’s why I call it Flow Energy Art.”
Kempe’s paintings fill the stairwell and upstairs room at Gallery 9 along with her wearable art.
She created and sold her first custom evening gown when she was 16 and has been making clothing and costumes ever since. Her wearable art products include hats, bags, belts, headbands, hoods, masks and ponchos.
She has a preference for natural cloth, matching the fabric to the task.
“I like things that are one of a kind, one at a time. It feels good when you put it on, almost like it’s vibrating.”
Gallery 9 is located at 1012 Water St., one block east of the ferry terminal in Port Townsend.
It is open from noon to 4 p.m. Thursdays through Mondays and is closed Tuesdays and Wednesdays.
Masks are required, and hand sanitizer is provided.
For more information, see www.gallery-9.com.
Linda Marie Kempe
