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Artist Is Painting From Within

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By Scott E. Smith | The Suncoast News

Published: August 16, 2008

NEW PORT RICHEY - Blackness the body possesses. Empathy; compassion and the darker side of emotions.

Ridgewood High School graduate Shaun Kapp's creativity is motivated by the darker side.

Kapp paints from what he feels. His style reflects the darker, depressed side of feelings

This past Thursday, Aug. 14, "Making Strides Against Breast Cancer" held its kick-off event at Juan's Black Bean Deli, located in historic downtown New Port Richey. Other kick-off events will be held countywide during the month of August, which benefit "Making Strides," a walk against breast cancer, taking place this fall.

Breast cancer touched Kapp's life when his Aunt Jean was diagnosed with breast cancer in her mid 40's. A breast cancer survivor, she was a heavy influence in his life and was his godmother as well as babysitter during the summer when his family visited her in Pennsylvania.

The painting, titled "The Blackness the Body Possesses", captures his aunt and how he dealt with her illness. The artwork was donated by Kapp after talking with event chair, Nancy Britton and Kapp reminded her about the 20-by-30 oil painting. Included in the image is a silhouette of Jean's husband, Paul, who was tragically killed in an automobile accident.

"Paul was a heavy influence on Jean," Kapp claimed. "Not only was she beautiful on the outside she drew her inner beauty from him."

Kapp is a manager at Lens Crafter and stated he is the only creative person in his family. He strayed away from homework and would spend his time doodling and drawing at a young age. Thus, an artist was born.

Never having a formal art class his works contains dark colors and imagery and works primarily in oils.

"I don't paint flowers and ducks," the articulate Kapp said.

At 27, he doesn't find enough time to paint and is extremely close to his immediate family, which includes a twin brother.

When asked what he sees in his artwork when viewing it later he often feels calm, and sees more in the painting then he originally intended in the completed piece of artwork.

"The Blackness the Body Possesses" will be auctioned off Oct. 25. Tickets are $5 each and are available at The Florida Cancer Institute New Hope, 8763 River Crossing Boulevard, New Port Richey, 727-842-8411.

For more information on the event visit the Making Strides href=http://makingstrides.acsevents.org> Web site.

Making Strides Pasco County

Saturday, Oct. 25

The Little Everglades Ranch,

37903 Ashbrook Road, Dade City

8 a.m. Registration

8 a.m. Survivor Breakfast

9 a.m. Walk

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