Kue King (b. 1981) takes to art as his first language. As a 6-year-old Filipino immigrant, Kue struggles between his old and new languages. As he gets older, he finds his true language in art. Creating gives him the voice he needs to be understood.
Kue’s early fascination with nature pushes him to study the world around him. At age 13, Kue presents his first collection to the renowned Douglass Anderson School of Art.
Kue finds mentors in both blacksmithing and interior design. Kue’s early mentors nurture his sole dedication to his craft with opportunities in design, fabrication, and teaching him what it takes to be an exemplary artist.
At 23, as his final Jacksonville performance, Kue orchestrates a one-man show of installation environments, lighting, sculpture, and dance. This show grants Kue the confidence to take a leap of faith. He relocates to Hawaii to focus on developing his artistic explorations into mastered skills.
In the quiet providence of Hilo bay, Kue finds the solitude to discover and explore his potential. In Kona, he finds a mentor and patron in famed architect Lucky Bennett.
Moving to San Francisco at 25, Kue takes his Hawaiian studies and develops a refined collection of fine art tree sculpture. Kue reemerges to the legendary gallery Gumps in Union Square. With the Bay as his playground, Kue and his partner Corbett teach each other to sail and live as professional artists. At 32, again seeking solace and a creative sabbatical, Kue embarks on a yearlong residence to the coast of Ecuador. Corbett cruises the Caribbean solo in a small sailboat. They eventually meet so Kue can grow and develop his new collection.
The couple sails back together from South America to Art Basel in 2012. Kue’s Ecuadorian collection emerges into the art world. Since returning to the United States, King settles into the rejuvenating mountains of Blowing Rock in North Carolina. He travels extensively and shows in major cities all over the world.
We scour the Appalachian region to find the perfect home, one that embodies a harmonious blend of relaxation and productivity. Our ideal is a tranquil sanctuary, immersed in nature and secluded from the hustle of the world.
This house is exactly that. Even parking our large box truck on the elevated lawn feels like entering a special zone. The property boasts two studios, one for me and one for Corbett, offering ample space for both work and leisure.
It’s an inspiring dwelling nestled on a picturesque property. Undoubtedly, it’s the right house for us.
I craft jewelry for myself for many years, but creating pieces for others transforms them into personal totems, reflecting their unique identities. Jewelry speaks volumes about a person, often conveying more about their essence than clothing. My creations are not just simple trinkets or pendants; they are wearable art, each a bold statement piece designed to resonate deeply with the wearer.
“My patchwork pants are a cherished project for over two decades. I begin this journey in my twenties as a free-spirited artist, wandering from place to place. Each patch on these pants is a piece of my travels, initially covering wear and tear like the knees, but eventually turning into a creative obsession. This garment isn’t just clothing; it’s a narrative of my life. The deep connections I’ve forged globally are woven into its fabric. People often remark on them, even after many years. Some express a desire to own a similar pair, but I always encourage them to create their own. Each pair should tell a personal story, and mine narrates mine beautifully. They’re not just pants; they’re my talisman, imbuing me with a sense of limitless possibility.”
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