(Image: "Sea Geometry No. 147" by Richard Keen)

Richard Keen has taught and worked in the visual arts for ten years while actively exhibiting in commercial, nonprofit and university galleries throughout New England and the Midwest. Keen holds a Masters of Arts Degree from the University of New York at Albany and a Bachelor of Fine Arts Degree from Millikin University in Decatur, Illinois. His approach to art is one of proliferation and continual experimentation. The scale of his paintings range from 5 inches square to 4 feet square and are executed in oils, acrylics, and encaustic on paper, canvas and panel. Keen also invests time in drawing and printmaking. His 3-D work utilizes nontraditional materials and marine equipment and have been exhibited in Maine, Massachusetts and Vermont.

When did you first realize that you were going to be an artist and when did you first start making art?
I'm pretty sure it was when my parents told me that they wouldn't support me moving to California to be come a rock star. I'm not sure why I didn't go to college for music- I guess I had more support in the visual arts from teachers and institutions in the form of talent scholarships. I can remember making art very early in childhood. As I progressed through school, I enrolled in art and music courses as much as possible. By the time I was a junior in high school I had fulfilled most of my required general education courses for college prep and I was spending more than half of my school days in the art studios.

Who or what inspires you?
My wife Sarah, the environment, my animals, friends and family - music, a long list of other artists and life in general.

Is (was) anyone else in your family in the arts?
Sarah, my wife, is trained in art with a background in clay, glass and sculpture. She continues her studio practice in the Fort Andross Mill in Brunswick and teaches visual art at Mt. Ararat High School. My sister Michelle was a vocalist in high school. Following high school, she was semi-professional and traveled with a group called "Up With People". My mother Rose-Marie, has been painting and drawing for the past three years.

(Image: "Weir Arrangement #160 w/Hull" by Richard Keen)

Are you self-trained or did you go to art school?
I hold a Bachelor of Fine Arts from Millikin University and a Master of Arts from the State University of New York at Albany.

Is the process of creating your art long or short?
Both. Some of my paintings can happen quickly or can take months to resolve. My sculptural installations can take years to plan before the come into reality. But whether something happens quickly or takes more time, an artist's process is a result of years of stored experiences that enable them to work the way that they do.

Tell us something about your work. Do you have a subject matter that defines you as an artist?
Although I have been associated more with painting, I explore whatever medium I feel will get my interests out in the world. My artwork is influenced heavily by coastal Maine and the iconography associated with working waterfronts.

Why are you drawn to it?
Some things are best left unanswered, or to ask why was it drawn to me?

(Image: Installation by Richard Keen)

How do you stay motivated?
I work on multiple projects at once and find that each one feeds the other. I find this method keeps my momentum moving forward.

What have you been working on lately?
I'm working on new paintings for my "Sea Geometry" series, a series of underwater photo-encaustic paintings, a series of paintings abstracted from chains called "Alternations", an installation project based on wharf structures and preparations for a visiting artist invitation at the University of Rhode Island, Kingston.

Are you experimenting with anything new?
I'm always working with a variety of mediums and push myself to explore the boundaries between them. The newest medium for my latest solo show had video and sound elements.

Has your medium changed from when you first became an artist?
Yes. Although I gravitate towards paint, I've taught myself how to work with encaustics, digital photography, video and a variety of sculptural techniques.

What advice would you give to an artist just starting out?
Make a lot of art, set goals, be prepared to sacrifice.

(Image: "Alternation 19" by Richard Keen)

What kind of comment do you despise the most when overheard at one of your openings?
I've never despised critical feedback if it is well thought out - opinions can be informed or uninformed, but it is bothersome when people use the word "nice" all of the time - I prefer originality or a genuine thought about my work.

What kind of comment pleases you the most when overheard at one of your openings?
I enjoy when people explain how my work inspires them to see beyond their normal perspectives.

How have you handled the business side of being an artist?
It's never ending. I'd say, at least as an emerging artist, that it takes more time dealing with the "business" side of being an artist than most people realize. I've taken continuing education courses through Maine College of Art to learn more about the "business issues" related to being an artist. When I went through art school there were no classes related to this topic, however I did have some help from mentors in college.

Do you have any outside interests other than art?
Playing and listening to music, outdoor activities like hiking, swimming, camping, boating, biking, playing with our pets, travel, theater, movies - actually, there are not too many things that don't interest me.

Are you disciplined about your creative process (in other words, do you treat the process like a job, where you keep particular hours in the studio), or are you more spontaneous?
I am disciplined with my process. Not to say that creativity can be scheduled, but without setting aside designated studio time, ideas would not get transformed into art.

(Image: "Ocean Hull No. 46" by Richard Keen)

How would your life change if you were no longer allowed to create art?
I can't imagine life without being able to make art in some form or another - I would certainly continue to collect art, view art, listen to music and advocate for the arts - maybe operate a gallery or promote artists somehow.

What's the best part of being a full time, working artist?
I do have to work a day job, however, I produce and exhibit artwork regularly, maintain a studio and constantly strive to improve the quality of my artwork - I consider myself an artist before any other title or job that puts food on the table. I would say that the best part of being an artist is being able to bring ideas to life and see others enjoy them. I also just really love working in the studio and letting the rest of the world melt away.

What's the worst part of being a full time, working artist?
Facing the associated financial struggles.

Do you have any upcoming shows?
I just had a solo show at Coleman Burke Gallery in Portland which ended October 25th, 2012. I just returned from a visiting artist invitation at the Millikin University Carriage House Press where I also had ten new paintings in an alumini exhibition. I currently have applications/proposals submitted to a variety of venues between Maine and New York.

Where can we find your work?
Elizabeth Moss Gallery
Leighton Gallery
Artnet
Coleman Burke Gallery
richardkeenstudio.com
richardkeenstudio.blogspot.com

- Brenda Bonneville, editor

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