Caleb Knodell has attended an art atelier in Italy and apprenticed under painters in France and Norway. Although he has traveled the world, he is excited to return to Poplar Bluff for his upcoming exhibition at the Margaret Harwell Art Museum, beginning with a reception from 6-8 p.m. Saturday.
“It’s my hometown, so it’s great to be showing in the place I was born and raised,” Knodell said. “I was a young boy when I won an award at a Margaret Harwell (event), probably in second grade or so at that time. That was one of the first things I remember (about) getting started in the arts. So it’s kind of full circle.”
Knodell, son of Kurt and Julie Knodell, discovered his artistic talents early in elementary school while trying to outdo a classroom rival. Today, he is known for his still lifes and portraits, and works in varying degrees of realism and abstraction.
His subjects depend on what body of work he is creating, he explained. “This show visually revolves around florals and portraits, but the deeper inspiration is nature’s process in relation to painting. Every move creates new circumstances that often require a counter-balancing of sorts.
“With this show, in particular, I had an interest in creating these abstract vase flower arrangements because of how they can visually operate and allow for flexibility in the painting process,” he said.
He also explained inspiration for one project comes “often in the middle of working on something (else).”
Thanks to the Internet, people can view art from around the world on their phones and computers. For this show though, Knodell encourages people to experience the paintings in person.
“These paintings, they’re going to be a little bit more textural. I want them to capture the light that’s in the room, and to sort of give an atmosphere about the space,” he said. “So, I really kind of want them to read in a way that’s enjoyable, that kind of takes you either into these little worlds... There’s an experience to be had in the real life, visiting of the pictures.”
Knodell’s exhibit runs through June 26.
MHAM is located at 421 N. Main St. in Poplar Bluff. More information about this and other upcoming exhibitions is available on the museum’s website, mham.org, by emailing director Steve Whitworth at swhitworth@pbcity.org and by calling 573-686-8002.
More of Knodell’s work can be seen on his Facebook and Instagram pages or on his website, cknodell.com.