Kyle Jordre is an abstract expressionist painter from Phoenix, AZ. 

Completely self-taught, Jordre often produces large scale pieces by using tools that may be defined as ‘unconventional’ to say the least.  “I wouldn’t know what to do with a paintbrush.”  He expresses himself through the use of rich color, deep texture, random bursts, or repeated patterns.  The finished pieces entice, as well as invite, the viewer to step closer - to step into the layered and textured terrain Kyle creates in his work.

Jordre works with an ever expanding set of materials, of which the vast majorities are recycled.  The paintings are acrylic/latex on canvas, created with house paint that has been miss-tinted, poor color matched, or for a variety of other reasons been returned to the merchants, commonly known as ‘oops’ paint.  When the cans are empty they are incorporated into other works of art, as well as the lids, handles, and stir sticks.  The resulting walls, sculptures, mosaics are an ongoing documentation of his work.

The vast majority of Jordre’s work is not named, but consecutively numbered - currently in the neighborhood of 230.  He does not sign the front of the work until the person who has acquired it tells him which orientation they ‘see’ the piece from.  “I want to have as little influence as possible on someone as they first encounter my work.  Once they have had some time, should they be moved in any way and want to discuss the piece, I am very happy to engage in conversation.  The work, for me, then broadens in scope and has also created dialogue...that is a great feeling for me and helps me see things through a wider spectrum and with different eyes.”  Jordre has three named pieces.  Two were created for organizations that wanted the artist’s interpretation of an issue.  Jordre believed naming them was crucial in helping express his vision and thought, and in doing so, would help preserve that interpretation and vision over time.  The other named piece was commissioned as a memorial and is titled “Gayle”.

Jordre’s creative expression has always been a trait he has shared with others.  Kyle used his undergraduate and master’s degrees in elementary education to teach 6th grade social studies for 11 years in Eagan, MN. After leaving teaching, Jordre worked two years as a corporate trainer for a Silicon Valley technology company.  While remodeling a home to re-sell, Jordre realized the need for artwork on the walls.  It was at that point, Kyle and his creative expression found canvas and paints.

Jordre has been nominated for the Arizona Governor's Artist of the Year award twice, as well as two years as a Phoenix New Times 'Best of Phoenix' artist.

Student Art Gallery April - May

Castle Hills First Baptist School www.chfbs.org showcasing student works for K-5th grade

 Year of Jazz Exhibit
Our Year of Jazz exhibit is constantly growing! Please check in with us on your next visit to see how it's changed! For more information on KRTU's Year of Jazz, please visit www.yearofjazz.org