Rocking The Art World

Rocking The Art World
From: Southpark Magazine
by Leigh Dyer

Paul Stanley of KISS brings his works to Charlotte this month.

For more than three decades, Paul Stanley has rocked in black-on-white makeup as lead singer and songwriter for the band KISS. Now, he's drawing audiences as a visual artist with his bright, multicolored paintings. His works will be on display at Wentworth Gallery at SouthPark mall this month, and he'll make two personal appearances. Stanley spoke exclusively to SouthPark in advance of his visit.

Why did you decide to start painting?

I had a background in art from when I was younger. I went to The High School of Music & Art in New York City. I managed to fail art. To me, creativity is something that has to be self-motivated, not punching a clock. It was more about rebelling against the idea of working to someone else's schedule. I understand it - it just doesn't work for me. No one works harder than I do, but I work hard at things that I want to do.

So I obviously pursued the music, and haven't done too badly at that. At some point, given the opportunity and the time, I wanted to pursue other challenges. Painting is another means of expressing myself emotionally.

Looking back, are you prouder of your music or of being a visual artist?

How about, I'm proud. I'm proud to say that I didn't compromise, and will take responsibility for any mistakes and will take credit for all the successes.

Are there any parallels in creating a song versus a painting?

I think not, because creating art as painting for me is very solitary and intimate in a way that relies more upon stream-of-consciousness with color and texture, as opposed to songwriting, which has a much more constricting and restricting structure to work within.

You have a piece of music that has a melody on top that has to fit the music in terms of key and rhythm, and you have a lyric on top of that which has to rhyme and fit within the other two. So you have boundaries and restrictions that to me don't apply to art.

What's the most memorable reaction to your art that you've gotten from a fan?

I just like the fact that when I meet people at galleries, they tell me how the art connects with them. Many times it's very deeply. I'll tell you my reality of a piece, but ultimately what's important is your reality. You're the one taking it home. When somebody tells me that it reminds them of a period in their life or a loss in their life, or a blessed time in their life, it doesn't get better than that.

Do you still keep rock-star hours?

I've done my share. I've done enough for probably you, me and a lot of the readers. Life does change. What doesn't kill you makes you stronger, but don't push it.

Are you getting tired of touring with KISS?

Oh gosh, no. KISS will never end, even if I tried to end it. It has a life of its own. I just marvel at the power of it and the velocity that it has.

To feel it gets old would be almost undeserving of having gotten it in the first place. It'd be kind of like winning the lottery and complaining about taxes. I'm blessed.