Meet Kundan Baidwan | Artist & Bar Tender

We had the good fortune of connecting with Kundan Baidwan and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Kundan, what inspires you?
I am inspired by the little things that often we are too busy to enjoy; the way the light bounces off a building, the moss that grows around a stone paver, the cherry blossom petals getting swept into the air by a gust of wind. The scent of jasmine when I walk home, or the sound of an orchestra warming up all bring me a moment to pause and appreciate it all.

Alright, so let’s move onto what keeps you busy professionally?
I refer to my style as “abstract pointillism” which might sound vague, until you see my paintings. I imagine the world from its most primitive unit, a dot. A single point that can expand on a cadence, creating rhythms & amorphous patterns.

Being an artist, a creative is not always easy, and there have been many times I have doubted myself, but one has to look to their community for support & inspiration. Feeding my inspiration appetite by going to Open Studios, or watching live music often invigorates me when I am blocked.

There have been varying moments of recognition that I have been proud of like being selected to be a part
of the SF Beautiful’s Muni art campaign, but it’s when an individual is truly moved by a piece that I am validated in what I do. The closing night of my first solo show, a gentleman was reminded of a beautiful memory from his childhood while looking at one of my paintings. He was a child refugee, and didn’t speak of his youth often or in a favorable manor, and his wife was so taken aback that she bought it for him – that one of my artworks could be so impactful still resonates with me today, over a decade later.

Any places to eat or things to do that you can share with our readers? If they have a friend visiting town, what are some spots they could take them to?
I usually start where I tend bar, Zam Zam. The place opened 11 days after Pearl Harbor, so it has seen a lot in its 82 years on Haight St. and the bar itself is gorgeous – maybe a little worse for wear, but the mural behind the bar is iconic. Great cocktails, music, and conversation (there are no TVs!) My favorite spot in Golden Gate Park is the observation tower of The De Young Museum where you get a 360 degree view of The City, and if the weather cooperates, you can see out to the Farallon Islands. One day should start with a visit to the Buena Vista for an Irish Coffee not just for the drink, but to watch the maestros crank out dozens at a time. Then take that caffeinated buzz to the Musée Mechanique on Fisherman’s Wharf and delight in all the lights & sounds of this interactive arcade museum. Grab a sandwich from Freddie’s, and relax in Washington Square Park before you hit the many bars in the area. Tupelo’s if you want live music, Comstock for fancier cocktails, Tony Nick’s for a neighborhood vibe, Sweetie’s… basically, there is a bar to suit your mood, but you have to make room for one, and just one MaiTai from Li Po lounge in neighboring Chinatown. Another day should be all about the Mission – walking up & down Valencia is filled with restaurants, bars, book stores, vintage shops. There spectacular murals not just down Clarion Alley, but on most buildings. After soaking up some sun & people watching in Dolores Park. Head up 18th Street to the Castro, get a drink at The Mix, seafood at Anchor Oyster Bar, try to get only one cookie from Hot Cookie, maybe a sing-along at the Castro Theatre. You could pick any neighborhood and have an adventure!

Shoutout is all about shouting out others who you feel deserve additional recognition and exposure. Who would you like to shoutout?
I have immense gratitude for my family & friends who have supported me in a multitude of ways over the years. When I decided to delve into abstract art, my cousin, Dr Inder Dhillon, not only commissioned my first pieces, but also let me turn his garage into my art studio for a couple of years! My ever-growing community of artists are constantly motivating & inspiring me. There have been collaborations, invitations to join group shows, letting each other know about open calls, even just chatting over a cup of coffee all create a sense of belonging to something bigger. Shout out to Mini Bar on Divisadero for always including me in the rotation of artists there (and for making a mighty fine cocktail). And my partner, Chris Gaskin, who is not in the art world, but is always supporting my endeavors, and keeping me nourished – belly & soul.

Website: kundanbaidwan.com

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/kundan_baidwan/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/artbykundan/