Richard Keen
Andrew Estey Photography
HONORS / AWARDS
2015,16 Merit Award, Dave Bown Projects 11th,13thSemi Annual Competition
2014 Artist Resource Trust Grant, Berkshire Taconic Community Foundation, Sheffield, MA
Visiting Artist, Bowdoin College, Brunswick, ME
2013 Arts Visibility Grant, Maine Arts Commission, Augusta, ME
2012 Visiting Artist, Millikin University / Carriage House Press, Decatur, IL
Visual Arts Sea Grant, University of Rhode Island, Kingston, RI
2010 Art in Embassies Program, U.S. Department of State, US Embassy, Dili
2007,09,11 Good Idea Grant, Maine Arts Commission, Augusta, ME
2008 Guest Artist/ Lecture, Pecha Kucha Night, Space Gallery, Portland, ME
2004 Guest Artist / Lecture, Merrimack College, N. Andover, MA
2003 Surdna Foundation Fellowship, Haystack Mountain School of Craft, Deer Isle, ME
Guest Artist/ Lecture, Brunswick Art and Cultural Alliance, Brunswick, ME
2001 Guest Artist/ Lecture, Fairfield University, Fairfield CT
"As far back as I can remember I have made sense of the world through art.
My abstractions begin from observation. Nature, man-made objects and the spaces between them that often generate geometric shapes and patterns inspire me. I filter which elements of my observations and experiences to focus on by removing unnecessary detail.
Some of my finished work reveals direct connections to my experiences, while others are more reductive, leaving room for interpretation. I keep my work moving forward, exploring different mediums regularly, from classic oils to spray paint, epoxy and Styrofoam in an unending effort to not lock my practice into one mode of operation.
I have three core series.
My most abstract body of work, called “Form Singularity” uses painting and sculpture to reference seascapes and boat components like rudders, keels and boat building designs in a more minimal and reductive approach to making art.
“Sea Geometry” paintings began after working as a diver in Casco Bay. They reference seascapes and use boat building designs to segment the compositions.
“Abstracted Topographies” more clearly reference trees, landscapes and coastal vistas around Maine. They are reflections on hikes I take with my family and dogs.
I work regularly to unite abstraction and realism through art-making in an effort to frame a common language in everything that I create."
