We were lucky to catch up with Ken Crost recently and have shared our conversation below.

Ken, thanks for taking the time to share your stories with us today It’s always helpful to hear about times when someone’s had to take a risk – how did they think through the decision, why did they take the risk, and what ended up happening. We’d love to hear about a risk you’ve taken.

I think being a creative person constantly entails the process of risk taking. But one particular risk-taking journey occurred many years ago when I was beginning to break free from the constraints of my prior life. I had always wanted to try my hand at performing but was terrified by the idea. Since I was living in Chicago, there were many possibilities for heading down that path. I, however, decided to take acting classes at Second City, one of the most important improvisational theatres in the world. I showed up at an old church that was going to be our classroom and stood outside watching as people showed up for the first class. As I watched each person ascend the stair and disappear inside, I was trying to talk myself out of following in their footsteps. But, finally, I pushed myself up the stairs and into the room where the class was to be held. I paid my fee, and soon I was on an adventure that would change my life. I stayed with the class for two years. It was the beginning of my time in Chicago theatre. A wonderful adventure.

Ken, before we move on to more of these sorts of questions, can you take some time to bring our readers up to speed on you and what you do?

Since the late 1990s, my journey as a digital artist has been a continuous exploration of the intersection between technology and creativity. The advent of digital technology opened up a new realm of possibilities, allowing me to transcend traditional artistic boundaries and delve into the abstract. My work is a testament to the transformative power of digital tools, which have enabled me to express complex emotions and ideas through vibrant, dynamic compositions.

Since its inception, digital technology has fascinated me with its limitless potential for innovation. The ability to manipulate pixels, experiment with interesting digital tools, and create intricate patterns has been both a challenging and a fascinating path to follow. Each piece I create is a unique blend of meticulous planning and spontaneous discovery, reflecting my deep appreciation for the precision and unpredictability that digital mediums offer. This fascination drives me to constantly push the boundaries of what is possible, exploring new techniques and technologies to enhance my artistic expression.

My work is deeply influenced by the ever-evolving landscape of digital technology, including artificial intelligence. From early experiments with basic graphic software to the sophisticated tools available today, my artistic practice has evolved in tandem with technological advancements. This evolution is reflected in the diversity of my portfolio, which spans a wide range of styles and techniques. Each piece is a snapshot of my ongoing journey, capturing the essence of my creative process at a particular moment in time.

Abstract art, with its emphasis on form, color, and texture, provides the perfect canvas for my digital explorations. It allows me to convey emotions and concepts that are often beyond the reach of words. Through abstract compositions, I aim to evoke a sense of wonder and curiosity in the viewer, inviting them to interpret the work in their own unique way. The fluidity and versatility of digital tools enable me to create pieces that are both visually striking and thought-provoking.

Ultimately, my goal as a digital artist is to inspire others to see the beauty and potential in the digital world. I believe that technology, when used creatively, can be a powerful tool for artistic expression. Through my work, I hope to challenge perceptions, spark conversations, and encourage others to explore the endless possibilities that digital art offers. My art is a celebration of the fusion of technology and creativity, a testament to the boundless opportunities that lie at the intersection of these two worlds.

In addition to my visual art, I am also a writer. Many of my artworks are accompanied by very short stories that add another layer of meaning and depth to the visual experience. These narratives are crafted to complement the nature of my art, offering viewers a glimpse into the inspiration and thought process behind each piece. Writing allows me to further explore the themes and emotions that drive my creative practice, creating a richer and more immersive experience for my audience.

Is there something you think non-creatives will struggle to understand about your journey as a creative?

I think non-creative people will always have a difficult time understanding just what happens between the artist and their art. Even artists are in awe of the mysterious way art seemingly creates itself. Where do these ideas come from? How do they form? What pushes certain ideas into the consciousness of the artist, while other ideas never show up? I look at works I created in the past and I wonder, who was I back then that I created these things. How did I think of these ideas and then somehow execute them into the real world? So, for non-creative people, all I can say is, you aren’t alone in wondering how it all comes together.

What do you find most rewarding about being a creative?

The most rewarding aspect of being an artist is that I get to spend my time either writing or making digital art. My mind gets to play in a mostly hidden world, that only shows up during the creative process. I’m currently working on a novel, and when I am deeply involved with that, the real world slips away, and I become immersed in the characters and world they inhabit. Their world and who they are, is as real to me as the real world we all live in. It is truly special.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.kencrost.com
• Instagram: kencrost
• Linkedin: @kencrost
• Twitter: @kencrost
• Other: [email protected]