Cave Creek artists host studio tour
STAFF REPORT~ 6/15/2011 ~

Cave Creek artists Judith Durr, a painter, and Roger Kull, a sculptor, will host a studio tour from 10 a.m. – 5 p.m. Friday – Sunday in Cave Creek.
Kull will conduct a sculpting demonstration from noon – 1 p.m. on Saturday at the Mountain Studio located at 6033 E. Skyline Drive in Cave Creek.
Described as Southwestern Pictorial Leather Sculpture, Kull’s signature style is three-dimensional realism. His recent acceptance into the invitation-only Western Artists of America (WAA) now has him competing at their annual exhibit and show with other sculptors whose work is more traditionally in wood, clay, bronze and stone. Having worked with more than 14,000 hides in the 30-plus years of his artistic career shows the incredible demand for his work.
Kull approached his art in a very non-traditional way taking the technique of general leatherwork, and chose only a saddle maker’s knife and clay modeler’s spoon as the sole implements that create his artwork. There is no hammering, no stamping, only a sculpting process that forms the back bone of his technique.
“I am a firm believer, that art skills are paramount,” Kull explains. “As a free hand artist I believe that art skills come first and leather skills provide the medium to show case my creations. Each leather sculpture guarantees originality and is a one of a kind.”
Utilizing the natural hews of leather and specialized dyes along with the colorful blues of turquoise, there is a continuous flow between tradition and innovation creating constant interest in this uniquely sculpted leather. Always artistic, Kull experimented with various art mediums but was always drawn to leather as a medium for his fine art work.
Durr was recently inducted into Western Artists of America, a prestigious organization of the world’s finest western artists. Membership is by invitation only.
“My Southwestern oil paintings are created from respect for my Choctaw/Cherokee heritage,” Durr said. “I preserve the legacy of the First People’s artifacts and rugs portrayed in my oil paintings. However, I paint artifacts from tribes and clans throughout the Americas. By capturing the emotions of the viewer, my objective is illusion.”
Durr’s oil paintings and dedication to realism are internationally recognized. Her Native American heritage is the inspiration for her First People’s still life oil paintings. Her genre includes Western Life, landscapes and historical research. She is a member of Oil Painters of America, Southwestern Premier Artists and the Sonoran Arts League.
Beverages will be provided during the free event. Artwork will be available for sale. To view Durr’s work go to judydurr.50megs.com. To view Kull’s work go to rogerkull.50megs.com