Local artist profile: Constance Gehring
Local artist profile: Constance Gehring
“Art has a lot to do with the unfolding of who we are, and the journey we take in becoming better people. We don’t get there unless we do things, unless we relate.”
Constance Gehring is a local, Newton-based artist who specializes in pastel painting. Her paintings are abstract in many respects, while portraying a recognizable subject matter. Her style could be called that of a colorist, as the focus of her art lies in its carefully selected hues.
Gehring was born in Newton, becoming the oldest of five siblings. Her father was originally a farmer, but when his job became tied to the railroad, his family moved to Kansas City, Mo. After Gehring graduated from high school, she moved herself to Taos, N.M. where she stayed for thirty years. She worked numerous jobs with the motto “five dollars an hour is better than no dollars an hour.”
Growing up, Gehring and her siblings entertained themselves creatively.
“The idea of making things was always really natural,” said Gehring.
They learned to crochet, knit, embroider, arrange landscapes, and even build with paper mache.
Gehring’s artistic side was always present, but during her time in Taos, she could not afford to invest in art materials. Instead, she collected postcards from local artists and continued to find avenues for creativity – even if it was “just putting chocolate chips in cookies,” as Gehring put it.
No viewer of Gehring’s art would expect that she only began painting in 2009. At this point in her career Gehring had established her acupuncture practice and could afford to dedicate both time and money to her artistic endeavors.
For Gehring, creating art is about absolute freedom.
“Seeing what happens because you just never know. It’s like having children you don’t know what you will get, what will come through in the end,” said Gehring.
Gehring is now an organizer for Newton Murals and Arts Project, a part-time acupuncturist, and an established local artist. She has her work displayed in the Carriage Factory Art Gallery, Prairie Pastimes in Cottonwood Falls, the Kauffman Museum, and Mark Arts in Wichita.
“Everyone has artistic ability,” said Gehring. Her advice to the aspiring artist in each of us is simple: “Believe in yourself and have the courage to express that, even if it seems strange, or you fear acceptance. We must be who we are.”