We had the good fortune of connecting with Kevin Kerr and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Kevin, can you walk us through the thought-process of starting your business?
The need to stay relevant. On October 24th, 2020, I suffered a bilateral ischemic stroke that should have killed me. The survival rate for such a stroke is around 12%. The stroke left me with vision problems, deafness, in one ear, 3 stents in my brain and a multitude of other issues that subsequently led to me losing my career. I was a national VP of sales for a major publishing company who was about to embark on a new normal. During the months of various therapy, I pulled out some old art supplies that belonged to my daughter, I was told the painting would help my vision issues as well as give me a calming outlet to focus my attention. I had never painted before. Never touched a brush, but apparently, according to my family and friends, I didn’t suck. I started using my newfound “talent” as a way to focus my attention on my abilities instead of my disabilities.

When I started selling my paintings to my friends several suggested that I start a website to sell my work. That was a bit too much for my stroke brain to handle. I started a Facebook Page instead and in homage to my journey, I named it ‘Strokingly Artistic Studio’.

The painting gives me a purpose and helps me feel connected to the world. What started out as a simple therapy outlet has started to morph into something else.

Can you open up a bit about your work and career? We’re big fans and we’d love for our community to learn more about your work.
I still look at my art as a growing hobby. The first time I really believed I could make some money out of this hobby was when I painted a piece in memory of my college marching band director. His name was Joe Phelps. He wore this funny looking yellow coat as he led our band. I painted an abstract of him directing the marching band and posted the painting on our alumni band Facebook page. People loved it and started asking if I would do prints of it. I did. I ended up selling around 100 of those prints and donated the money to the band scholarship fund in Joe’s name.

My art is a cross between abstract and loose impressionism. I’m not a perfectionist so when I sit down at the canvas, I just let my ideas flow out. Some days the art is upbeat and happy. Other days it is dark and moody. I’ve been told that my art evokes emotion.

I enjoy experimenting with various objects such as bubble wrap, Lego blocks, and toothbrushes as I put paint on canvas. I paint mostly with acrylics so I can achieve various textures with the work as well.

A lot of time, my art reflects my struggles in dealing with my post-stroke life. There are so many things that I can’t do anymore. The stroke turned me from an extrovert life of the party to an introvert not wanting to go to the party. I went from a concert junkie to not being able to tolerate crowds and loud noises. My art gives me peace of mind and I want to be an inspiration to those dealing with similar issues. Don’t ever give up. Find a new passion and joy within your limitations and make the most of every day.

The Shoutout series is all about recognizing that our success and where we are in life is at least somewhat thanks to the efforts, support, mentorship, love and encouragement of others. So is there someone that you want to dedicate your shoutout to?
My wife, my children, and my inner circle of friends is most deserving of the credit for my perseverance. The group of friends I’ve known since elementary school. The encouragement they all have given me is immeasurable. There have been many times over the past few years I just wanted to give up on life in general, but they all encouraged me keep fighting through the bad days.

Website: https://pixels.com/profiles/6-kevin-kerr

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/StrokinglyArtistic/

Other: https://www.teepublic.com/user/strokingly-artistic-studio/tank-top

The art of recovery: Kevin Kerr goes through rehab after severe stroke

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