Paragraphs

As part of our artist series at Wild Common, we highlight local artists and exhibit their work. The art rotates nightly and we are thrilled to welcome J. Kevin Foltz to Wild Common.

J. Kevin Foltz has worked for thirty years as a traveling photographer. While his first love is the tradition of black and white film photography, Kevin develops art in many mediums. He has worked for a large variety of clients ranging from airline magazines, resorts, inns and restaurants to Western Union and the Sony Corporation.

Kevin’s artwork, including those inspired by his travels, are currently on display on our 20’x12′ projector wall. Get to know Kevin in the Q&A below!

Tell us about your inspiration for the work that is on display at Wild Common
Observing the great disconnect between mankind and the natural world has served as inspiration for my latest photographic projects.

Favorite medium to work in
My preferred medium to work in is traditional black and white photography. Silver halides and alchemy in the darkroom provide the platform from which I explore subjective interpretations of a moment in time recorded on film.

An uncommon tidbit you know about Charleston
Gregarious spirits frolic behind St. John’s Lutheran Church and the Unitarian Church in the hours between sunset and sunrise.

Most recent trip you took
All of my artwork is inspired and informed by my travels. During my most recent trip to Rome, I wandered through the city with old plastic cameras filled with black and white films.

Wildest food you’ve ever tried
Toasted Suri, in the jungles of Péru. Suri is the larvae of “Cocotero,” palm weevil, that is quite delicious when toasted on skewers and eaten warm. 

If you could have dinner with one artist in the world, living or dead, who would it be?
If I could have dinner with any one artist, it would be with Peter Beard, photographer and mixed media artist, somewhere in-between obscure contour lines on a map of The Democratic Republic of Congo (back when it was known as Zaire). The dinner would involve plenty of bourbon, beautiful raw scenery and laughter.

Travel Essentials
My basic travel essentials are Hasselblad and Holga film cameras, Tri-X film, a tripod, Makers Mark whisky, a Swiss Army knife, a coffee mug and proper silverware.

Favorite poem
“Walk in Beauty,” a Diné prayer…

View more of Kevin’s work here.
Make dinner reservation via Resy.

Curated by Katherine Leonard, artist and creative director of KL Creative.