Curious cat Kurtis Schumm is Palmetto Bluff's Artist in Residence for April

For many folks, starting a new project leads to a dead-end road and an overload of unused craft supplies. For artist Kurtis Schumm, beginning a new endeavor is as simple as chasing after the distinct feeling of “what if.”

“They say curiosity killed the cat,” Schumm said, “and I think as long as you wake up and your feet hit the floor, being curious is the way I've chosen to live.”

While most Savannahians will recognize him as the former proprieter and chef of the Tybee Island Social Club and Tybee Island Fish Camp, Schumm’s curiosity has led him to success in the music, arts, culinary arts and construction industries. From April 24 - 27, this jack of all trades is bringing that perspective-shifting outlook to artists of all skill levels as Palmetto Bluff’s April Artist in Residence.

“I am an autodidact learner and have no formal training in any genre, so I go where my curiosity leads and I always find a way,” Schumm said.

Although his interests began with sports, Schumm found a new interest in music. From there, he taught himself guitar and followed his curiosity to Tennessee, where he performed at the Bluebird Cafe at 14 years old and music and arts festival Bonnaroo at 18 years old. Those early experiences founded many incredible accomplishments, including a Gibson Guitars Custom Shop endorsement, a contract with Columbia Records and a resume full of performances with Gov't Mule, Emmylou Harris and Curtis Burch (to name just a few).

But music was only one way Schumm exercised his creative muscles. While traveling, Schumm met a woman from Verona, Italy, who taught him to use every part of an ingredient or item. Schumm carried that lesson with him as he and his wife opened four restaurants in just 10 years, including Tybee Island Social Club in 2010 and Tybee Island Fish Camp in 2014.

“[The restaurants] led me back to music where timing is everything. Designing a space is one thing, and having great recipes is one thing...and you have to have those to be a successful restaurateur,” Schumm said. “The behind-the-scenes stuff is how you puppeteer. The timing of those things is important and led me back to music and let me control those things.”

His mentor’s wisdom bled into his other endeavors, moving quickly from cooking to painting and construction. Discovering increasingly unexpected ways to use materials, it seems, provided a natural origin for the next project.

Schumm said the most impactful of these new projects are his commissioned paintings of departed family members, friends and pets. While the inspiration for these projects differs from his typical light-hearted portraiture, the reverence contained within them proves that creative expression and curiosity play an important role beyond the good times. Schumm said these commissions carry the most sense of accomplishment.

And what comes out of the mental gymnastics that come with switching from joyful exploration to solemn reverence, from painting backward on plexiglass to working with five-sided boxes? A body of innovative work and a new perspective on the magic in everyday life.

“Inspiration is everywhere, it is an unstoppable force: breath in your lungs, holding the door open for someone,” Schumm said, “if you use everything, it is an unstoppable force.”

Luckily, the Lowcountry has no shortage of inspiration. The curiosity sparked by the majestic marshes, captivating sunsets and salty oysters are the backbone of Schumm’s residency, starting with the “Master of All” opening reception. On April 24, the FLOW Gallery + Workshop courtyard will provide an optimal experience of the clear acrylic canvases displaying Schumm’s distinctive portraits of the May River.

“[Palmetto Bluff] is a beautiful and well-preserved property that I have previously been a guest chef at multiple times, and stayed often electively as well,” Schumm said. “Due to its pristine nature and educated staff, I jumped at the opportunity.”

If the opening gallery piques your interest in Palmetto Bluff’s natural beauty or the art of painting, there are a few opportunities to learn more about each element at once. The Inky Oysters workshops on April 25 and 27 use Schumm’s self-created art style and innovative ink and acrylic method to offer a fresh perspective on a salty Lowcountry staple. Whether you’re just dabbling in the arts or consider yourself a pro, Schumm “look[s] forward to sharing the forgiveness on the lower end or mastering the technique on the higher end of learning” in these workshops.

If a broader view of Palmetto Bluff’s natural beauty is more your speed, consider The Morning Marsh Scenes workshop on April 26. In this workshop, Schumm will introduce participants to landscape “sketches” using May River as inspiration. Participants are encouraged to bring phones or cameras to collect a memory bank of significant moments and scenes for future inspiration. After the photography excursion, Schumm will teach participants how to use ink and acrylic to transform a simple photo into a tangible memory.

While the cat may be wary of curiosity, Schumm embraces exploration as a tool for expression and a key to a fascinating worldview. During his residency, Schumm looks forward to cooking up a light-hearted experience full of inspiration and building connections with a splash of wine, a few dad jokes and zero pressure to be perfect. If everyone has fun and feels the inspiring pull of curiosity, this creative chameleon considers his job complete.

Kurtis Schumm will host workshops and gallery hours during his residency at Palmetto Bluff from April 24 - 27. For a complete schedule and tickets, visit palmettobluff.com.

This article originally appeared on Savannah Morning News: Mult-hyphenated artist Kurtis Schumm offers workshops at Palmetto Bluff