KISS Frontman Discusses His Interest In Painting

February 4, 2007

Mike Kerwick of NorthJersey.com recently conducted an interview with KISS guitarist/vocalist Paul Stanley. A few excerpts from the chat follow:

On his interest in painting:

"There's two kinds of music and only two kinds of art, good and bad. And you can find both in any style."

On first taking up brushes six years ago:

"When you try to tell people when you're 6 years old that you want to be a rock star, they pat you on the head and say, 'Go play cowboys and Indians.' I pursued more art. It seemed more practical. Ultimately, I figured that my calling was really music."

On the first piece Stanley had the temerity to hang on his wall, "Green Planet", which had friends requesting the name of the artist:

"It was the kind of sign I wanted that I couldn't have hoped for. To have people drawn to a work of art on the wall, asking who the artist was."

On whether his name makes it easier to persuade galleries to show his work:

"Sure, I have an advantage over someone else. But ultimately I have to stand or fall on my own merit."

"I didn't become famous to cut myself off from the people who made me famous. It's another avenue, another vehicle to connect to people that matter to me. I enjoy it, too. Obviously I enjoy painting and drawing and creating for myself, but I would be a liar if [I] didn't say [I] ultimately want approval from others."

On whether there will be another KISS tour:

"The great thing about KISS is we can always go out. The offers are always there. Really at this point I have to say taking my band out is like driving a sports car, and taking KISS out is like trying to launch an aircraft carrier. A lot more goes into it. A lot more is at stake. The finances are staggering."

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