My name is Kent O’Doherty. I am a textile sculpture artist currently based in Seattle. I am a first generation Australian, born and raised in Melbourne. I have been an artist and/or musician since I can remember - with music taking precendence at certain times, and art others. I chose music school (Rotterdam Conservatorium, New England Conservatory, Boston Conservatory) over art school because I wanted to follow a path that allowed me to create and make with the greatest freedom. For myself, art is connected to something far greater than intellect, and I did not want to muddy the waters.
As a musician, I premiered over 100 avant- garde and contemporary classical works - performing throughout Europe, USA, Asia and home country, Australia. My improvisational playing culminated with the album, Periville, a detailed portrait of a fictional small American town; surviving whilst being left behind. I started and ran my own record label, Right Side is Left, for a number of years whilst I dedicated myself to making long form electroacoustic works that focused on the two pillars of society, People and Place.
Previous artwork featured video as the main format. The “Koan” series of videos, a 4 1/2 year project, reached an audience of over 3 million; and was awarded film of the year by Cinuea Magazine. I have loved making all the things I have made. However, the call to make something with my hands was too great, too loud. I finally listened to what little kid Kent wanted to do. Little kid Kent wanted to sew.
The only thing I had ever sewn was a button on a shirt….and that was done quite badly. But I knew I needed to sew. Through my making life, creation had at times been accompanied by fear, tension and doubt. Once I began sewing however, all negativity melted away. I thought I had known who I was as a creator, but was now learning that was not exactly true. There is an ease with sewing, as though I am being led by the hand throughout the creative process. This opens me up to becoming more vulnerable, more myself. I now make pieces that pursue my true identity, and I hope, assist the viewer overcome the difficulties that they are faced with.
My pieces are made with Duck Canvas, Nylon Thread and sometimes acrylic paint.
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(Very) Short Bio
My name is Kent O’Doherty, which is convenient since my website is kentodoherty.com.I am a textile artist working out of Seattle, WA. Born and raised in Australia. Lived all over. I once was an avant-garde/improvising saxophonist and composer. It took me a long time to let music go, but eventually I found the trinity of needle, thread and fabric. Once I found those three, life became a lot more fun and artistically fulfilling. I make textile sculptures from heavy duck canvas, stitched by hand.
