Daniel Kanow is a visual, kinetic artist living and working in Telluride. Kanow creates dynamic and contemplative works using paint and mixed media – including acrylics, oils, canvas, wood, plexiglass, and various non-traditional tools. Drawing on inspiration from an apprenticeship in Taos, NM, lots of time spent outdoors, eclectic musical greats, and abstract expressionist artists, Kanow creates layered compositions that bring energetic motions onto a two-dimensional surface - his active marks deconstruct and reconstruct his pieces’ visions and narratives, revealing landscapes of pure abstraction.
Kanow’s muses are the people in his life, such as his family and students, as well as the prospective adventures of future travel destinations. He embraces Asian philosophical and spiritual concepts in his creative process, such as detachment, impermanence, creation and destruction, and beautiful imperfection.
When he is interacting with and producing an artwork, Kanow has an energy-invested and dynamic practice – sometimes elevated and physically demanding, and other times deeply grounded and spiritual. To get into the artistic headspace, Kanow sets intentions and uses poetry or stream-of-consciousness writing to break into the narrative of his work.
For Kanow, everything was reprioritized during COVID-19. He notes that social distancing and relative isolation provided a new opportunity to dive into and re-envision his art and professional goals. Kanow currently has a studio space at the Voodoo Studios – stop by and see his latest creations, or visit his website to explore ongoing projects.