Today we’d like to introduce you to Jake Keeler.
Hi Jake, we’re thrilled to have a chance to learn your story today. So, before we get into specifics, maybe you can briefly walk us through how you got to where you are today?
I grew up scraping my shins on boulders fishing the Mississippi River, hunting all over central MN, and getting lost in the wonder of nature. When I wasn’t exploring outside, I was bent over at a table drawing dragons, comic book characters, and fantasy/sci-fi worlds while listening to a rotation of heavy metal cassette tapes with my brother.
Truth be told, not much has changed. I have an MFA in painting and drawing from the University of Wisconsin-Madison, and an undergraduate degree from Macalester College with a major in Studio Art and a minor in Religious Studies. I got married, had a son, and found a way to blend my two passions into a life. I still scrape my shins on those river boulders, and spend hours at a table drawing the fantastical.
Can you talk to us a bit about the challenges and lessons you’ve learned along the way. Looking back would you say it’s been easy or smooth in retrospect?
Being an artist has been a tale of two stories for me. On one side, art has been a natural part of my life; no need to “decide”, it just was, and has been. There has never been a doubt that being an artist and making art is what I’m meant to do. On the other side, society isn’t exactly set up for the career of being an artist; it can be, and almost always is a struggle to make it work financially, socially, and sustainably.
So while the instinct, drive, and passion to be an artist has been smooth, the road to execute and sustain has been challenging.
I think that drives me though. I prefer dirt and gravel roads anyway.
Alright, so let’s switch gears a bit and talk business. What should we know about your work?
My work has been exhibited all over the U.S. the past 20 years and has been used by companies like Simms, Patagonia, Rhymesayers Entertainment, and others. My works has been featured in numerous publications and media, namely The Fly Fish Journal, Fly Fisherman, and Flylords.
While I’ve explored a multitude of forms, content, and media over my career, the past 10 years has focused on drawing and painting. Specifically, using ink, pen, pencil, and acrylic on wood panels or paper as the media while the subject matter is related to fly-fishing, fused with themes and nods to sci-fi/fantasy art, heavy metal album covers and music, and other counter culture aesthetics.
The works serve a purpose beyond expressing my artistic visions as well; I’m active in conservation and advocacy efforts involving clean water, public lands, and positive community building. I use my art to not only raise awareness about these issues, but also raise money by donating at least 30% of the revenue made from my art to various organizations fighting for clean water and environmental protection to not only raise awareness about these issues, but also raise money by donating at least 30% of the revenue made from my art to various organizations fighting for clean water and environmental protection.
Who else deserves credit in your story?
Great question!
The list is long, too many to list and I would surely miss someone! But I can say that I wouldn’t be where I am today without the support of my family. My mother was an artist and art teacher, and my father has always pushed me to be creative and do my best. My wife is an artist and writer as well, so I’ve always been surrounded by people that have my back and have never questioned my pursuit of being an artist.
There are a bunch of teachers, artists, musicians, writers, filmmakers, and photographers that I’ve worked with and developed friendships with over 30+ years. They’ve all had a hand in influencing my work.
Contact Info:
- Email: info@jakekeelerart.com
- Website: https://jakekeelerart.com/
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/jakekeeler/
- Other: https://www.watersabbath.com/
Image Credits
Jake Keeler Photos
Rubinksi Visual
