I made a Trenton Starbucks run on Saturday evening with the family. My intention was to grab a latte and a couple of frapps, but I was surprised to see some amazing art blanketing the warmly lit Starbucks on South Warren Street.
This weekend’s Starbucks Trenton Holiday Shop artist, Kenneth J. Lewis, Sr., describes himself as a self-instructed artist who began painting on canvas at the unusual age of 47.
On New Year’s Day 2008, Kenneth painted his very first piece which he called “Contemplation,” an inner reflective painting inspired by deep thoughts about his future after 24 years of marriage. He discovered a raw and latent gift that could no longer be held at bay. While painting was more of a hobby from 2008 until the death of his mother in 2012, his loss fueled in him a deeper passion.
Since then, Kenneth has amassed an impressive collection of more than 700 works of art over the past 10 years and has become a sought-after illustrator as well.
“I know what I feel when creating in the sanctuary,” says Lewis who calls his studio KJL Art Sanctuary. “Creating in KJL Art Sanctuary allows me to connect spiritually with each piece I create.”
Visit Kenneth’s website at https://kjlartsanctuary.com.
Get a load of this video from my visit this weekend.