Drift, Circa 2000

H.E. Kuckein  

H. E. (Ebe) Kuckein was born near Koenigsberg (now Kaliningrad) on the Baltic in 1930 and displayed an early interest in drawing. He was encouraged by his brother and began to paint in oils at the age of twelve. Although largely self-taught, he studied under the tutelage of F.W. Schulz, a compatriot of Paul von Kalkreuth and Montague Dawson, the foremost marine painters of their time. The association with Schulz influenced Kuckein's work for several years and directed him to that kind of theme painting. Upon arriving in Canada in the early 1950's, Kuckein completed his architectural training which he had begun in Germany. Kuckein settled in Vancouver and continued to paint while pursuing a successful career in architecture.  

Kuckein's experience with design is evident in his paintings, many of which combine contemporary structure with soft brush strokes and colour. His paintings are created with generous layers of oil paint, giving his work an unusual depth and luminous presence. He resists explaining his work, feeling that the paintings must speak for themselves. 

Kuckein is considered one of Canada's most important contemporary artists.