Kevin McGovern ’74 has been a fixture at Christian Brothers for decades, both as a student and a visual arts teacher. He is also an accomplished artist and has had his work shown at the Crocker Art Gallery and CSUS, among others. He recently opened an exhibit at the Sierra Health Foundation on Garden Highway. Below, Kevin gives us some insight into his work and inspiration. Check out his showing, running through November 30 at Sierra Health Foundation, 1321 Garden Highway, 95833
Who are your artistic influences?
KM: “I was very influenced in college by the paintings of Richard Diebenkorn. He was my biggest influence, but also the work of David Hockney, Wayne Thiebaud, and Elmer Bischoff, among others.”
When did you first consider yourself a serious artist?
KM: “I started painting seriously in 1993 and had my first exhibit at CSUS in 1995.”
Do you have a favorite piece in this show?
KM: “Just like my children, I don’t have a favorite, but I like them all for different reasons!”
What advice would you give to a young artist looking to have their own exhibit?
KM: “Be patient and hang in there! In all of the arts you are going to see more rejection than acceptance. You need to have a tough skin and be able to continue on.”
