Ken Segal: Inspirational Artist

Welcome back to The Expressionist Magazine

Ken Segal has always had a passion for art.  Born July 7, 1959 in Mount Airy, Pennsylvania, Segal received his training at a very young age.  He started by taking classes at local community centers.  Eventually, Segal went on to graduate from the Tyler School of Art at Temple University in 1985.  It was here that he acquired a BFA in Graphic Design, specializing in computer graphic animation.  At this time, Segal received the honor of having the first portfolio entirely animated by computer.  His amazing talent landed Segal a job as a “3D Wizard” for a large architecture firm.  A “Virtual Reality Guru,” Segal created original programs for 3D morphing, converting 2D blueprints to “walk through” animations, and recreating vehicular accidents for courtrooms.  He co-authored Ventana Press’s (1989) “AutoCAD3D,” an early guide to using 3D components of AutoCAD, the leading desktop CADD program.  Segal produced what he describes as a “massive program that automated many 3D processes.”  His codes created simple 3D early day animations.  ”Some codes were based on Sci-Fi and some from the leaps of my imagination,” states Segal.  He also wrote a monthly column for Cadence Magazine for seven years.

In 1994, Segal returned to his first true love, painting.  He began displaying his work in 2001 and 2002 in Grace Church’s juried exhibitions.  A year later, he showed his work at Ecclectica and Melissa’s, two fine art/craft stores.  Then in 2007, Segal says he “took it up a notch” and participated in eight one-man shows, a two person show, two group shows and an arts festival.  He began showing work in cities such as Newark and Philadelphia.  Today, as an emerging artist, Segal is applying for grants.  He says he is currently seeking gallery representation on a more permanent basis.

Segal is a highly intelligent, creative and well skilled artist.  However, what most people don’t know is that Segal has suffered for most of his life.  Segal was diagnosed with Manic-Depression (Bipolar Affective Disorder) at the young age of fifteen.  The artist admits he never received “good and appropriate” help until recently, about five or six years ago.  The “hidden disability,” as Segal calls it, actually became noticeable before his teen years.  At only eleven, Segal was placed in therapy and started getting into fights at school.  Years went by and as Segal grew, so did his Bipolar.  Years of his life were spent in mental wards, delusional. There were the innumerable suicide attempts.  ”I was always dragged back to life, kicking and screaming,” recalls the artist. These were, undoubtedly, Segal’s darkest days.

Today he considers himself an advocate for consumer (patient) rights and is now happily five years free of his Bipolar battles.  Segal claims this five year mark to be a record since for most of his life he was in and out of mental wards.  Now, Segal says he is “100% out” about being Bipolar and has even co-founded a large support group.  Segal speaks candidly of his disability and all that has come with it.

As someone who is suffering from Manic-Depression, Segal fits the classic mold.  Many afflicted with the illness are artistic and highly intelligent.  Segal has been a lifelong member of MENSA, aka “The High IQ Society.”  This very prestigious honor, however, has some strings attached.  Segal sees it as a double-edged sword, describing himself as “intelligent, but disturbed.” Segal’s disability has also made it difficult for himself to define what it was he wanted to study while in school, saying it took him eight years, three majors and three different schools.

Segal’s advice to others suffering from Manic-Depression is to find a good psychiatrist or psychological team.  Also, he says to seek out a local support group, which can be beneficial to finding a reputable doctor.  Most importantly, Segal urges Bipolars to take their prescribed medications.  The hardest part of the illness for Segal was simply finding the appropriate medication and therapy.  ”When taking my meds, I remind myself they are the cost of my freedom,” states the artist.  ”Stick with it the best you can, because 80% of Bipolars get relief.”

Segal says he sees his Bipolar as a separate entity, which has caused him to have both productive and crazed times.  His masterpieces are a reflection of his intensity and passionate emotion.  Segal considers his style to be reminiscent of Marc Chagal’s work, “filled with luminous figures and gravity-defying forms.”  Segal says that much of his work has a spiritual essence to it.  ”A ritual plays a role in their creation,” explains the painter.  ”My experiment” is what Segal calls each piece of his artwork because he is trying to apply a particular principle to each one.  ”My chosen style is a sort of ‘action painting;’ auras and halos surround my figures and they give off a measured light.  It has been called a ‘visionary’ style.  I believe in Sacred Geometry and I employ 3D grids, spirals and more.  I consider each painting to be freestanding, unique; an experiment to discover something about my medium.  I’m always adapting my technique to new discoveries and exploring new mysteries.  I use some of my Near Death Experiences (NDEs) to drive the geometry of my paintings.”

Segal’s favorite artists are Andy Warhol and Salvador Dali.  He especially likes Dali’s “Agnostic Symbol” painting.  As far as Segal’s own favorite pieces, “Couple in Love” and “Vishnu” top his list.

It is difficult to imagine that this talented artist has spent half his life suspended in delusion; in and out of daydreams and hallucinations.  ”Madness colored every aspect of my life,” reflects Segal.  Now averaging two to three shows a month in Delaware and also in the Philadelphia area, Segal celebrates his recovery and has seen his productivity and exposure in the arts explode.  ”I think Bipolar loosened up my concept of ‘collective reality.’  Uncontrolled Bipolar manias are rather like doing hallucinogenic drugs; reality is warped and there’s usually some fantastic imaginary mission and every thought is ‘magical.’  In all this, I find my mood shifts do affect the quality of my work, and the free-associations I make give me subjects for my paintings.”

At 49, Segal says he has a true understanding how everyday is a gift from God.  ”I have spent too long in regret, now I am grateful for all I have.”  Segal couldn’t be happier.  He has been married fifteen years to his loving wife, Jane; a woman he refers to as his “muse, helpmate, and example.”  In addition to his wife, Segal has a 29 year old stepson, David and a dog, two cats and ten birds.

There is no doubt that Ken Segal is an inspiration.  Not just to those afflicted with Manic-Depression, but to us all.  His strength, determination and passion are assuredly encouraging and admirable.

Ken Segal’s work is full of color, spellbinding and hypnotic.  I would highly recommend going to this talented artist’s website at www.segalstudios.com to view some of his work.  Segal can be contacted through his e-mail at segalstudios@comcast.com or by writing him at Ken Segal, c/o Segal Studios:  944 10th Ave., Wilmington, DE 19808-4963