MAC Board Member Spotlight: Bob Kent

Our latest board member spotlight is someone who is no stranger to MAC! This month we talked to our new Board Member and long-time gallery artist, Bob Kent. Bob has wowed us with his stunning photography over the years and recently decided that he wanted to join us in our mission of bringing arts to all in Mono County!

1. What is your connection to the arts? Are you an artist yourself or do you have a particular interest in the arts?

My connection to the arts is that I am an artist.  I have been doodling for as long as I can remember.  In high school, I fell in love with photography.  My doodling and photography have had a huge impact on my life and success.  They taught me to be amazed by the littlest details and how to tell a story.  You cannot succeed in business sales for life for 40+ years without the ability to do these things.

2. What is your favorite art medium and why is it your favorite?

Photography.  For me it is the medium that best combines artistic vision and the technical ability to execute that vision.  To be successful in photography is hard.  How many pictures do you have on your phone that you never look at again? As a photographer, you have to be able to tell the viewer, who has no personal connection to the image,  a compelling story using only a single snippet in time.  

It is a constant challenge.  A picture is special to the photographer because they were there.  To make it special to a viewer you have to connect them in a way that relates to their own personal experiences.  The image has to have a universal compelling story or it is just noise.

3. If you could learn any arts medium, what would it be? Why?

Painting, because I have never been able to master it.  With photography or doodling I have control.  There are so many variables with painting, physical creation of colors, brush strokes, hand control.  Doodling with pencil you can always erase, photography you can step back and try a different approach.  With painting once the paint is on the canvas you are committed. I am in awe of those who can paint.

4. What is your favorite part of your role as a MAC Board Member?

In my life I have been blessed. Art has been a key factor to that blessing.  It is critical  to have generations following us be successful.  An engineer without inspiration will be replaced by AI.  An engineer with inspiration and creativity will always be a precious commodity.  It is my duty to give the future engineer the experience to become “inspired.”  Being a MAC Board member gives me a way to do that.

5. Why do you think the arts are so important right now?

To quote my Aunt Corita - “Art has the power to inspire change.  Let your creations be a catalyst for positive transformation.”

Art education is critical.  

To be successful in art you have to be authentic.  To be authentic you have to not only know what your values are but also have the courage to share them.  Even when they are not in vogue.  In a business world overshadowed with AI, creativity and vision are what will make our next generation successful. Art teaches one to look at life’s details inspiring the creativity to build unique visions that add value to business.  

Equally  important, values and vision will be what preserves our democracy.