ABOUT KARL KEENAN

Keenan have been painting professionally for many years. He is a self-taught artist and enjoys painting portraits. Keenan paints in acrylic, oil, and creates sculptures using mixed media. His work also include abstract art with an african influence, He have exhibited at the Birmingham Cilvil Rights Institute, Chris Mcnair Studios, and local Birmingham Galleries.

A JACK INTERVIEW WITH KARL KEENAN

What was your first experience with art?

My first experience with art happen when I was 7 years old, I had a speech problem, my mother would send me to the corner store to buy items like black pepper etc. I could not pronounce the words so I would draw the items on paper in order to be understood.

What is your favorite medium & why?

My favorite medium is oils, it gives me time to blend my colors.

What style are you most drawn to? Does it ever change & if so, why?

The style I am drawn to the most is abstract because its more spontaneous, and at times it changes to realism only when I am doing portraits.

Have you always been an artist or is this a career change?

I have always apreciated art and have always been an artist, art is a comfort to my soul.

Have you ever taken classes/courses?

I am self taught and never had any classes.

What do you want your art to accomplish or describe?

I would like my art to Describe emotions, wondering , and not knowing, just like life. full of questions.

Art programs are being cut all over the nation in schools - what's your opinion on this?

Art should be part of education just like reading and writing, I feel if they continue to cut art which is a form of expression our society in whole will turn to drugs and other stimulants to fill the void of self expression.

Where is your favorite place to create?

My favorite place to create is in my spare bed room.

Which comes first - the inspiration or the medium?

Inspiration always comes first especially when it whispers to my soul.

How has your work changed over time?

Over the last five years my works have been more emotional, probably because of the death of family members and the devastation's that is happening in the world.

If somebody was standing in front of one of your works, is there anything you'd want to tell them?

What you are viewing is art that i created but at the same time I am imitating God my creator.

Do you have a favorite piece you've done?

My Favorite Piece is Every Generation because its about life I created it while listening to a jazz melody by Ronnie Laws.

Can you draw a perfect circle freehand?

No.