Karl James Lubbering, known as “KLube” in the San Antonio arts community, pays homage to his late father, Louis Lubbering ("Mr. Lube"), by signing his name this way. He is represented by Period Modern in Olmos Park. His style, a unique blend of various artistic influences, is best described as “San Antonio Modern Folk Art.” When discussing his paintings, he often references the vibrant colors characteristic of his birth city.
KLube, born in 1969 in San Antonio, TX, to Louis P. Lubbering Jr. and Marilyn Lubbering, was deeply influenced by his parents, particularly his father, an art professor at various academic institutions. Their effect on his art is a significant and enduring aspect of his journey.
His father was a tough act to follow. KLube’s father had four art degrees and taught art to generations of students in Texas and beyond. “My father was an extremely loving father and very beloved whose life was cut short in July of 2020 when he succumbed to COVID-19.”
KLube attended his father’s classes growing up, which nurtured his artistic sensibilities. Louis was named “Art Teacher of the Year” by San Antonio Current. He also won the Julian Onderdonk Award from the San Antonio Art League. Despite his father’s art acclaim, KLube relates growing up in low-income housing in inner-city San Antonio as a child and teenager. “My father and mother worked night and day to give me and my siblings a roof over our heads and something to eat daily. My art reflects their love and dedication to me and my siblings. We may have been monetarily poor, but my parents showed us much love.” KLube’s inner city life is reflected in his urban-centered paintings using many thoughtfully placed geometric shapes.
KLube’s great uncle Guy Linton was also a San Antonio artist. He turned his St. Mary’s Street nightclub, the Green Gate, into an art gallery in 1970. “Uncle Guy was also an example of a man who had to hustle to make a living with art, doing what he could to survive. He had no aspirations to become famous, although he was a local celebrity. He enjoyed painting and was glad to make a living doing what he loved.” Guy's impact on the local art scene remains to this day. His paintings are still auctioned through Vogt Galleries from time to time.
KLube’s father Louis Lubbering also persevered in order to bring his art to the world. After returning from Vietnam in the early 1970's, he was able to manage his ongoing PTSD through the process of making art. This struggle wasn't limited to just one generation. “Drugs and alcohol challenged my sobriety for years. I honed my artistic style after my father died through art, too. Being sober helped me dive into my art at a much higher positive level.”
“I was grieving my father and taking care of my mother, who had metastatic cancer and found a sanctuary and refuge at Antiques on Hildebrand where Robert Barrett and his family would give me space to work on art. Robert is, to this day, my favorite art critic.”
KLube regained his confidence under Robert’s influence and then went on to forge a partnership with Period Modern shortly after his father passed. “Ted and Donna at Period Modern have given me direction and a place to develop my art as it evolved. I owe them so much.”
KLube’s mother Marilyn was a remarkable woman — a true fighter — who lived for 18 years as a cancer survivor. She finally passed in October 2023, surrounded by family. She always believed in her son, and helped keep him on track in his work, even through rough times. “My mother was very happy when I would sell a painting. Luckily, before she died, she saw that I was going to be alright. Her guidance and sensible advice would live on. I haven’t quit my day job yet.”
2024 has been a remarkable year for KLube. “Luckily, my parents always taught me and my siblings about love, and my siblings and I stuck together during this difficult time. My brother Paul, brother-in-law Jesse, and my sisters Julie and Sarah are very positive and encouraging to me in my art and music. With the legacy of his parents in his back pocket and the love and encouragement of his siblings to this day, KLube’s art reflects what San Antonio embodies best: good music, love of family, and original folk art.