Paul Stanley Interview with NJ Arts
By: ROBERT FERRARO / www.njarts.net
Paul Stanley, the charismatic frontman for Kiss, has been a rock and pop culture giant for the better part of five decades. Onstage, he ignites audiences with his trademark bravado. But off of it, he shows a more subdued and thoughtful side that is exhibited through his painting – vibrant work that has garnered favorable reviews from both inside and outside the traditional art world.
He will be exhibiting his work at select Wentworth Gallery locations this year – his next appearance is at Wentworth’s Short Hills gallery, April 28 from 5 to 8 p.m.
In this conversation, Stanley discusses art and his joy in creating it, reveals how frequently he was (or wasn’t) recognized before Kiss shed their makeup, explains when he became funny, reveals a turning point in his life, and more.
Q: When musicians first start out playing, they often arrive at their influences through their limitations — if a guitar player only knows a few chords, they might gravitate towards the Kinks or the Ramones, and tackle more complex stuff later on. As you have continuously improved as a painter, have the kind of artists that you’ve tried to emulate changed?
A: That’s an interesting question. I don’t really emulate anyone. Whether it be in music or art or theater, I try to find inspiration rather than influence. But creativity is an ongoing journey, and you are certainly capable of things later on that you weren’t in the beginning. I recently started working on 3D plexiglass acrylic pieces. I’m now painting on actual guitars. So the scope of how you can apply your passion does broaden with your ability to facilitate it.
Q: Some rock musicians who have been at it a long while feel that it’s a challenge to come up with original musical ideas. Ann Wilson of Heart told me that it seems like everything under the sun has been played before, every chord progression has been used, etc. For a veteran musician, art sounds like it could be a lot more liberating than music.
A: It is for me, in the sense that for me there really are no rules. I started painting because I wanted an outlet where there was very little structure. The only limitation is the edge of whatever I’m painting on. As far as music, I find those comments kind of odd because, yeah, it goes without saying all the chords have been played, but everybody brings their own spin to them. Two people can play the same instrument and sound completely dissimilar. I think the key in music is to be quickly identifiable. That’s what makes for greatness.
