Tom Keefer

Born in Columbus Ohio in 1961, I earned a B.F.A. from The Ohio State University in 1991.  In the past, most of my work's subject matter was derived from my interest in ancient history as it relates to current events. Other pieces focused on my perspective of life's adversities. I looked at my work as a "surreal snapshot" of the events and attitudes one encounters in day to day life and the impact they can have on a person's demeanor.

One blink, one turn in a different direction, or one moment of hesitation can change a life. On 9/11/01, our nation blinked and we all watched as the demeanor of a great nation was changed forever.

Today I consider myself a post 9/11 artist. What does this mean? I'm still learning that myself. I saved the newspaper from that tragic Tuesday morning so I can reflect back on how naive we were before the buildings fell. I do not believe I will see another day on this Earth when we are not involved in major conflict of some kind, fighting for our own existence. When children are taught hatred and killing is justified through religious teachings, it becomes evident that conflict has become a way of life. I am trying to capture the change in attitudes since the terrorist attack.

I paint only through memory and imagination, there are no preliminary sketches or rough drafts. I paint on paper, masking the borders with wallpaper tape and then create shapes and movements with a black marker. Since 9/11, some of these shapes resemble destroyed buildings, falling images, and ash covered debris. I use color and shapes as a transition device to move the eye throughout the composition and create stability in an otherwise chaotic piece.