If You Must, 2018, Digital Media, 19200 X 19200 PX​

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If You Must, 2018, Digital Media, 19200 X 19200 PX $600.00 The fact is, physical force is no stranger to the disability community. From using it as a way to correct behaviors to thinking brute-force would be the only to move someone around. Sometimes when people feel passionate about their believes this is a risk worth taken. One person’s passion can be another’s outrage.

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Ron, 2019, Digital Media, 4200 X 24967 PX​

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Ron, 2019, Digital Media, 4200 X 24967 PX $600.00 Not for Sale When I joined FaceBook, I had a lot of people connect to me that saw the Doc King Gimp and a few that also purchase a piece of my art. Ron was one of the lucky ones to own a piece of my art, the brave soul put it on a credit card. When he hung it up in his home, there was one color in the painting he liked so much, he painted the room that color. Ron is a graphic Artist, so we trade work my favorite piece was when he morphed me into the rabbit from Donny Darko!

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King Gimp Studio Fundraiser Event on April 1st

My Family and I have decided to open a working studio, not a gallery. We will be holding workshops and private events such as screen printing, wine and canvas nights, and live drawing sessions. We welcome participates of all ages and skill levels, we want to make art accessible to everyone as a tool of expression and bringing people to for fun!

Help us reach our goal so that we can purchase supplies and open shop!

King Gimp Studio is a shop dedicated to providing a fun, educational screen-printing environment for learners and hobbyists of all ages and levels. Learn more about us at facebook.com/kinggimpstudio.

The King Gimp Studio Fundraiser Event on April 1st will be featuring Dan Keplinger drawing live. The completed piece will be raffled at the event and one lucky winner will take it home! Raffle tickets are $50 and all proceeds during the event go towards the purchase of final art supplies required to officially open our shop!

We do offer the option of buying raffle tickets online for those of you who cannot attend or who wish to make donations! The link is https://rallyup.com/king-gimp-studio, any gift that you can offer is appreciated. 

Thank You,
Dan
Please share!

My Computer is so Old...

My name is Dan Keplinger also known as King Gimp; subject of the Academy Award winning short documentary, that won an Oscar in 2000. I am a professional artist with Cerebral Palsy and I have been very dedicated to my craft for the past 30 years. My paintings been nationally and internationally displayed in galleries from New York City to Chengdu, China. I not only use art as a language to express myself, but as a tool to bring awareness to the disabled community through public speaking and live drawing events. I have always said, “My paintings are not for decoration but instead made for conversation”. 

 

One of the most important tools in my daily life, is my computer. I have spastic Cerebral Palsy which hinders my motor skills. When I am in public I have a translator to assist with all my needs but when I am home on my computer I have the ability to do all of my communications independently. On an daily base, I spend 8 – 10 hours sitting at my computer from creating art to book speaking engagements. I also create graphics for social media to draw attention to my art. I have been using a Mac Pro computer since 2008, with great sadness I will have to say farewells of my loyal friend. Without my computer, I am not able to communicate independently as I wish, to continue working as and public figure, nor remain working as an artist with multiple mediums in technology.

This is the budget that would I would need obtain to continue my work as an Artist and advocate for people with disabilities.

 

IMac 27-inch with Retina 5K Display- $2,199.99

3.5GHz Quad-core Processor, 8GB Memory, 1TB Fusion Drive.

2 CRUCIAL 16G 8X2D3 memory chips $169.98

Apple Keyboard with Num. keypad $49.99

Microsoft Office 365 $49.99

3 Year Apple Care $169.99

WACOM CINTIQ 22HD $1,999.99

Total: $ 4,639.93

I am in search of funding for a new IMAC/Apple computer, Office 65/warranty/expandable keyboard with built in mousepad and WACOM CINTIQ. I have already invested in Adobe Creative Cloud that is $350 a year and other software for photo and video editing. My computer is not only a creative outlet but it’s the gateway to my independence.

Some people might start a go fund me page, but would be willing to sale a digital image of any painting, or drawing on http://www.kinggimpstudio.com for $100! This funds will go towards the repair of my computer. If you think this is a fair offer please share?

The real drawing start @ $1,200.

Real painting start @ $2,500.
Digital Art for $600
More Art

I have already contact the "Brit" foundation, Jill Fox, Parkville Lions Club, Red Hat Society, and Kiwanis Club, to see if they could help with some funding. The "Brit" fund has showed interested in help me. Can anyone please let me know if there are other places I could contact for financial aid. The "Brit" Fund has granted me $2,500.00 if I can raise the matching funds myself.

Sincerely,

Dan Keplinger

dank@kinggimp.com

To My Supports,

 The end of the year is coming soon and I would to thank everyone who has made an inquiry into a speaking engagement. I am especially grateful to those who have invited me to their schools and organizations.  It may be a spark for others to follow their passion in life, but your positive responses also regenerates me after an appearance.  My recently those travels included a live painting demonstration at a DC Metro Theater, a panel at the United Nations, as well as an trip to China for a international art exhibit.

What should you expect upon an inspirational speaker? With me, there are no prepared scripts instead offering a spontaneous journey of life experiences.  I often find that a cookie cutter outline which most keynote presenter’s use is not as personal.  If your schedule would allow it, I could also provide a drawing demonstration of how my artwork is created.  The silver lining in an engagement focuses on my accomplishments but more importantly I want each viewer to be more inspired by every-day journey.

“King Gimp” was a story that so many could relate to.  It was about finding placement in life with independence, family, friends, education, breaking barriers and molding passions.  True love was in raw form making each viewer understand the parallel within their own life.  The challenges of my disability became a mystery of how I was able to defeat the odds.  “If Dan can…so can I” became one of my most favorite responses.  Truly, I am amazed how a humble hometown man can be ‘the reason’ to such inspiration.  Passion is unveiled being a keynote speaker. My art and live presentations brings thoughts out of my isolation.        

I assure you this experience is worthy of your investment.  Please fellow my adventures at https://www.facebook.com/kinggimpthoughts I look forward to reconnecting…   

Sincerely,

Dan Keplinger/King Gimp

Some Tech Questions for The King

Here are some questions I just answer for a group of IT students.

What are some difficulties that you face while doing your art?
Most recently the problem that I have been having is sweating, my hair gets wet and my headstick falls.  Really the big problem that I face is when I try new mediums and have to figure out how to attach it to my headstick, or how too use it to my needs. This goes for any time I get a new piece of equipment, there is always a period of debugging.

Do you think that a robotic arm would make it easier for you to do art?
I think a robotic arm will be the same idea as using a computer for art and communicating. It takes out the human factor out of the process; maybe I just have not found the right software yet.

Do you think that a classroom environment would affect the way someone with cerebral palsy would learn art?
There is a need for both classroom and studio time, every artist needs to interact with their peers. This provides an environment of growth, to see what other student are doing and share ideas. Even if the disabled student does not produce art during class time, they might be thinking about how the conversations relate to the art. Just because someone is not an active participant in the group, does not take away from the value of being included.

Do you think that an electric wheelchair would help you do your art?
I have seen videos of people that attached paintbrushes to chairs and just drive their chairs around the canvas to make the marks. I have thought about getting a huge canvas and put paint on my wheels and make marks on the canvas. It would just be something to try. How would you really control where the marks go to create the image that you want. One would have to work from the center out and really have to plan everything out.

A Spiritual Journey Chengdu, China

I knew that going to China would be a spiritual journey, but not in the form that it took. I was thinking that we would take a day trip to a Buddhist Temple, but sadly there was no time for that. Mr. Joe had everyday book up for us, we would leave the hotel at 9 a.m. and not get back until 10 at night. We at least we able to see a sample of the Buddhist tradition and at the shrine in town. Greg and I did light a candle for my brother Paul. It only seem fitting since when Paul was young people in the family would call him Buddha and when he opened his tattoo shop, he had a collection of Buddha figures. How more respect could it be than light a candle at a shrine, but he would rather it be done at a temple.

One night Mr. Joe took the Artists out for dinner, but before that  he invited us to his private studio. To me this was like going to his inner sanctum, this is where the master does his work and produces master pieces. Greg and I were talking and Mr. Joe's art has the status of what most Artists receive after death. So we walk into his basement that would be the size of a full school gym. There were crates full off his work and in the middle of the room he a few table but together covered with brushes, books and tubes of paint. I was just sitting there amazed by this sight, I was over come by all of this.  Then over in the corner I saw Mr. Joe's paint palette, I approached it as one would do as an alter, because this is where it all starts. This is the tool that lets him earn the type of living that lets him give back to his community and that brought as all together.

Peer Respect Chengdu, China

Before I continue on about our epic Chengdu adventure and I know that it will takes weeks for me to purge all of this goodness.  I would like to give a big thanks to Gregory Burns, without his input none of this would have been possible. Greg told the foundation about me when they asked about other disabled artist in America. Greg and I met in 2001 during a show for the Orthopedic Associate on the West coast, he said we also met at the Kennedy Center. Although we only have had frequent contact over the years, I must have made a real impression on him. His art career is where I strive to be, painting and speaking around the world.  I know he has just opened a new door for me and this will not be our only trip to Chengdu.  By the second night, I ask "how does my ass get an artist residency here"? If I do not go back with 5 Colours Foundation, it would be with the US Consulate. They were not only interested me as an Artist, but with my whole story. Even through Wifey likes to take the back seat, we were told that everyone was intrigued with our story. 

Last night Wifey and I had a few beers after our travels and I think we will be redoing this trip within a years, but Wifey gives it six months. I know Greg not only opened a new market on my art, but also a chapter of adventures. 

A Little Tour of Chengdu China

Before our events officially started Greg and Angie had time to take us to the town's garden and a market. Greg has been traveling Asia for 30 year as an Artist with a disability and met his Wife, Angie 17 years ago. We know it would not be easy going through the garden and shrine, but it was worth the task. When we did get stuck, surprisingly there was no problem getting help. For example, Greg would ask some guys to help get my chair up some stairs, he would just get to say "can you help my" and each time two, or three guys would just lift me and my chair up. The four of us were not expecting this willingness, but it was welcoming. We then went through a market for the experience, there was a man and his Wife that made decorative gourds. He wanted to give me one, not out of pity but as a sign of respect from one Artist to another. It turn out that he saw my artwork in the local paper. The gallery opening that I was invited to for is part of a bigger Art Festival that runs until the of October.

Trip to Chengdu China and Five Colours Foundation

  We just got back from Chengdu, China last night.  It was a life changing trip and I know this will not be our last trip there. Mr. Zhou Chunya aka Mr. Joe is one of the top 5 artist in China and built an Artists village after the earth quakes.  He also started the  5 Colours foundations for artists with disabilities. Mr. Joe is the gentleman in the back row in the blue to my left. Blue Roof Art Festival showcases influence of Chengdu collective

Before our events officially started Greg and Angie had time to take us to the town's garden and a market. Greg has been traveling Asia for 30 year as an Artist with a disability and met his Wife, Angie 17 years ago. We know it would not be easy going through the garden and shrine, but it was worth the task. When we did get stuck, surprisingly there was no problem getting help. For example, Greg would ask some guys to help get my chair up some stairs, he would just get to say "can you help my" and each time two, or three guys would just lift me and my chair up.  The four of us were not expecting this willingness, but it was welcoming.  We then went through a market for the experience, there was a man and his Wife that made decorative gourds. He wanted to give me one, not out of pity but as a sign of respect from one Artist to another. It turn out that he saw my artwork in the local paper. The gallery opening that I was invited to for is part of a bigger  Art Festival that runs until the of October.

Before I continue on about our epic Chengdu adventure and I know that it will takes weeks for me to purge all of this goodness.  I would like to give a big thanks to Gregory Burns, without his input none of this would have been possible. Greg told the foundation about me when they asked about other disabled artist in America. Greg and I met in 2001 during a show for the Orthopedic Associate on the West coast, he said we also met at the Kennedy Center. Although we only have had frequent contact over the years, I must have made a real impression on him. His art career is where I strive to be, painting and speaking around the world.  I know he has just opened a new door for me and this will not be our only trip to Chengdu.  By the second night, I ask "how does my ass get an artist residency here"? If I do not go back with 5 Colours Foundation, it would be with the US Consulate. They were not only interested me as an Artist, but with my whole story. Even through Wifey likes to take the back seat, we were told that everyone was intrigued with our story. 

Last night Wifey and I had a few beers after our travels and I think we will be redoing this trip within a years, but Wifey gives it six months. I know Greg not only opened a new market on my art, but also a chapter of adventures. 

Can I be The Artist With The Missing Tooth?

For years everyone in my network have been trying to find a dentist that would be willing to work me.  I am taking about people from family, producers, my Dr., to my Service Coordinators and UC2.

Everything we tried always fall through. I remember the last time I tried to see the Dentist was at the UMAB Dental School. The producers of King Gimp set this up, because they are connected to UMAB.

So I got back in the exam room, in the chair. They looked at me and said it was to risky to even put a tool in my mouth since I move so much.

About two months ago my front teeth started to come very loose, so the dentist hunt was back on. Then my Mom discovered that there is a new dental school special patient clinic at UMAB. I hated the thought of trying another clinic; because they ripped my mouth up worse doing the work then the pain would be from the actual dental work.

I went anyway yesterday, although I felt that nothing would really get done.  I got in the chair and to my surprise they did an exam and they were willing work with me. Let take breaks when I got tired of keeping my mouth open. My Mom did let them know about the film of course, also that I not only have two B.S. Degrees and a M.F.A., but also that I ski black diamonds in order to let them know the person inside on this tornado of a body.

My Wifey said it best; my body is as when you put a racehorse in the gate. The longer the pin it up, the more is just wants to run wild. Even though the dentist was in his fifth year, he kept consulting with his instructor. So the big question was to go ahead and pull the tooth while I was awake. Their biggest worry was that I could inhale the tooth and it would go into my lungs.

They think the reason why my tooth came so loose is that the bone deteriorated. When the bone goes then the gum pulls away from the teeth.  Then stuff gets in there so the gum cannot grow back. I ask if this would happen to the rest of me teeth. They could not really say since it was not cause by decay.  Being that the gum could heal, it only took a second to decide to pull it.  I said at least I would have a new hole for me straws.

The moment I said do it, they changed out the dental assistant. Until now it was a female helping us, they knew my body would become a beast. So they started to give me the gas. I also said, it might help to cover my eyes so I could not see them working and they did.  Before the instructor came back in to do the deed, I told the guys they should pocket my tooth and put that shit on EBay.

So I had three people there to help hold me. Before the Dr. started, she even said ok we are going jungle style. As to say once she started pulling, there was no stopping. She did give me a double shot to novocaine. The whole process felt like it took seconds.

Even though, I just had a tooth pulled both my Mom and I said that was the most delightful dental visit we ever had! I do not know if, I want to mess around getting a fake tooth.  If Van Gogh can be an artist with missing a freak’n ear, why cannot I be an artist with missing a tooth?