John
McKenna

I am an artist and jazz/improvising saxophonist and eurorack modular player. I've had works shown in several galleries and museums over the years here in the U.S.  Last year I entered a sculpture competition and was one of eight artists selected in the U.S. to be included in a show called "Sculpture Tour' at West Virginia University.  I've been creating sounds and musical forms, almost "sound as material" for many of these sculptural works I'm submitting to Arte Laguana Prize.  In 2018 one of my larger works was installed at the Adrian Duckworth Museum in NH.  My trio played improvisations and music inspired by the sculptural work on view in a live opening for the exhibit.  I also have a new jazz quartet album that was recently released called: John McKenna quartet "Portraits" out on all streaming platforms.

Other formative artistic experiences included living and playing/ working on art while living in NYC and Brooklyn between 1989-2006.  While in NYC I started drawing illustrations for Abrams Art History textbooks...eventually also for McGraw Hill and Simon and Schuster publishers.  The experience working on many, many drawings for these books helped me learn not only about many great artists in the history of painting and sculpture, but honed my eye and hand.  I've also toured in Europe and through the U.S. playing major jazz festivals with the great jazz saxophonist Joe Lovano.  

Currently I teach, create artworks and play/record as a saxophonist.  These combined mediums of mine have helped me create what I call Resonant Structures: sculptural forms that also many times include live or recorded "sound material" or melodies/rhythms  to help create a certain atmosphere and dialog with these sculptures.  I've submitted 5 of these sculptural works for your consideration in the Arte Laguna Prize 2021.  Thank you for taking the time to consider my work.    

Sincerely,

John McKenna

34 Cady Rd, Barrington, RI USA

401.644.5786      johnmckenna15@cox.net

@johnmckennatenor

resonantstructures.com