John Kraft Heart (and a Home) for $17 Million
One of my most fulfilling projects as an artist was creating a large SF Heart as part of San Francisco General Hospital Foundation's Heroes and Hearts fundraising event in 2010. Apparently the heart is back up for sale but this time it comes with this $17 Million home in Presidio Terrace - SF. Here is the related article, currently trending on SF Gate - You can also view a short video of me painting the heart here!
New Series - Original Abstracts
I'm happy to announce that I'll be introducing a new series of work consisting of original abstract paintings. Each unique piece is created by hand with acrylic and resin on wood panel. The resin gives each piece a glass-like finish, which is both durable and beautiful.
"String Theory" Acrylic & Resin on Wood 11 in. x 14 in. $600 (SOLD)
A second piece in the series, shown below, titled Janna's Waves has also sold recently for $800.
"Janna's Waves" Acrylic & Resin on Wood 20 in. x 16 in. $800 (SOLD)
"Escape Velocity" Acrylic & Resin on Wood 11 in. x 14 in. $600 (SOLD)
View all original abstracts in the series.
Artist John Kraft and Justdiggit - Project Earth
I will be participating in the U.S. element of Justdiggit’s Project eARTh and will be creating a custom shovel similar to the ones shown below. My shovel, along with those created by other U.S. based artists, will be featured in an exhibition later this year to raise awareness and funds for this amazing organization.
This all came about through an invitation from Misho of Misho Gallery in San Francisco. I had the opportunity to meet with Just Diggit and Naga Foundation co-founder, Dennis Karpes, and Marketing Director Wessel van Eeden. We were also joined by artists Johnny Botts and Hilla Hueber.
Justdiggit works to preserve and restore ecosystems and climate systems on a large scale. They do so by applying rainwater harvesting techniques and conservation methods in strategically chosen locations. After intervention project areas start to interact and in doing so create a so called Hydrologic corridor. Learn more.
Artist John Kraft with Justdiggit’s Dennis Karpes and Wessel Van Eeden
Autodesk Gallery - San Francisco
Stay tuned for more updates on this exciting new project, including a preview of my shovel design. A big Thank You to Misho for the introduction and to Dennis and Wessel for the invitation to participate.
Please visit the JustdiggIt website to learn more and to donate to this great cause.
The planet will thank you for it.
Great Night at ArtSpan Juried Art Auction
The 2016 ArtSpan Juried Art Auction at SOMArts in San Francisco brought together artists and art collectors from across the bay area and beyond. It was an amazing night and I'm proud to have had my piece, Sutro Flowers, included in the auction. It was also wonderful to be able to discuss my process with some of those that bid on my work. The photo below shows me with the happy winning bidder!
Artist John Kraft and Winning Bidder. Photo by Mark Harris.
ArtSpan does such much for the bay area arts community, and it was fantastic to see the turnout and all the high bids! Another thing that made the night so special was connecting with so many of my fellow artists and friends. It's a wonderful feeling to not be able to step two feet in a large room filled with people without running into another colleague or friend.
Artists Johnny Botts, Michele de la Menardiere and John Kraft. Photo by Scott Fin.
Till next time...
John Kraft at Marin Artists Society
I had a great time presenting "Social Media for Artists" at Marin Artists Society. Facebook Reactions came up as a topic of course, and I can confirm that artists like the idea that their art can now be LOVED on Facebook. A good deal of the conversation revolved around the idea that, as artists, our desire is to share what we create. Social is simply a way of enabling and amplifying the impact of that fundamental desire.
New Art - Sutro Flowers
While the rain pours down outside, I wanted to share my latest piece; full of Sunflowers, Poppies and Tulips. Sutro Flowers is my take on one of San Francisco's lesser celebrated icons. Standing 977 ft. tall, Sutro Tower is a three pronged TV and radio antenna tower rising from a hill between Twin Peaks and Mount Sutro.
Of course while my work could be considered representational I do tend to take liberties. :) And the exchange of tower and flower was too tempting to pass up. You may recognize some of the flowers from my earlier pieces; Here Comes the Sun, Eden Before Apple and Poppy Love.
New Art for a New Year
I want to wish all of you a very Happy New Year! I thought, what better way to kick off 2016 than with new art... So I'm happy to share my piece; Sky Kiss. Sky Kiss is available now as a limited edition fine art print on archival paper or canvas - in a wide range of sizes.
My work is inspired by the idea that anything is possible...and that feeling is particularly strong as we enter a new year. A very heartfelt thank you to all of you for your continued support of my art. In many ways it's that support that makes my "impossible"... possible. :)
John Kraft Solo Show at Town's End Restaurant
I'm thrilled to announce my new solo show at Town's End Restaurant in San Francisco, which will be up now through February of 2016!
#Paris
Paris is a sister city to San Francisco, and I had the pleasure of living in France for several months in the late 90s. The comparison between the two cities that many draw is more than pure surface - more than city-tourism-board-marketing-spin. There is an infinite capacity for wonder, a deep appreciation for what is beautiful; for art, music and love. On occasion - in both places, sad individuals filled with hate and ignorance have attempted to mar the spirit of these places; to damage its people. They can not and will not ever succeed. #paris #lovewillwin #sistercities #sf
San Francisco Sister by John Kraft