Alright – so today we’ve got the honor of introducing you to Brian Keith. We think you’ll enjoy our conversation, we’ve shared it below.
Brian , thanks for joining us, excited to have you contributing your stories and insights. It’s always helpful to hear about times when someone’s had to take a risk – how did they think through the decision, why did they take the risk, and what ended up happening. We’d love to hear about a risk you’ve taken.
The age of thirty-three is usually when people finally start settling into the rhythms of adulthood, gaining confidence in the routines of their family life or their careers, the metaphorical crossroads of decision receding into the distance behind them. But for me, the age of thirty-three found me standing on the edge of a precipice between my current career and an entirely different one, about to take a step of faith in a direction that would change the rest of my life. Behind the scenes, God had already been at work, using challenging circumstances for me and my wife as the catalyst for a long season of introspection and contemplation. On the verge of adopting our first child, I started thinking about stepping away from my full-time job in ministry to explore my artistic passion in the form of a new calling in fine art. I knew it was a risky path, but we sold our home and plunged into the uncertain, trusting wholly in God’s perfect plan and provision. My wife’s support in my convictions and her own pursuit of releasing her first music CD made me realize that our God-given talents and gifts were meant to be cultivated and used to glorify Him, not hidden away out of fear.
It soon became clear that our decision went beyond a calculated risk, and we were able to recognize it for what it was—a profound test of our faith and an opportunity to depend completely and entirely on God’s direction, anchored in the belief that following His guidance would provide all we needed for the journey.
Enduring challenges and entering the unknown with the knowledge of the presence of God was something we knew was vital, though we needed to be reminded of it daily. My successful art career and my wife’s music highlight the power of taking risks with an unwavering faith and remind us constantly that God’s plan and provision are ever-present.
Brian , before we move on to more of these sorts of questions, can you take some time to bring our readers up to speed on you and what you do?
I was thirty-three years old when I made the decision to step away from my job in Christian ministry in order to pursue a full-time career in fine art. To some, that may sound like a staggeringly big, life-altering decision to make, but I felt confident that it was what God was calling me to; it was simply a different way of bringing Him glory. I have now been an artist and sculptor by profession for over two decades, having trained under the immensely talented and nationally acclaimed artist Morgan Weistling for several years. Early on in my career, I discovered within myself a passion for the stories that a piece of art can tell. I want my sculptures to capture a single moment in time, and yet contain the emotion of a hundred years—the tenderness of a glance, the joy of a smile, the determination of a clenched fist, the subtle interaction between two people. I am fascinated by the beauty of a life and the legacy it leaves behind, and so I respond to that beauty by creating something beautiful. This is my lifelong mission—“Celebrating Life and Legacy.” I want my work to bridge the gap between what the heart understands and what words cannot describe. My years of study of the human and animal forms along with my deep passion for storytelling enables me to create evocative, energetic compositions of a diverse range of subject matter and styles, while maintaining classical technique and mastery.
I am a figurative sculptor, which means that my attention is focused on the human figure, portrait sculpting, and realistic animal forms. There are many different art forms and styles out there, and an even greater number of artists who use unique processes to achieve their end product. My process is very systematic and imaginative, and I revel the most in the journey I take to reach a completed work of art. Although having a finished bronze sculpture is exciting, something that I believe is equally, if not more exciting, is the journey that I get to go on in order to create it. I believe that a finished work of art will have infinitely more life and depth in it if the artist has walked an enthusiastic, joyful road to get there. Every time I sculpt a piece, I put my whole heart into coaxing a story out of the clay, demanding excellence of myself, so that everyone who views it will enjoy viewing it.
I have been influenced greatly by the works of master oil painters like Sargent, Zorn, Lawrence Alma Tadema, and Waterhouse. The sculpture works of Michelangelo and Bernini have also had a great impact on me, along with the contemporary master sculptor, Richard Macdonald. But the one who has influenced me the most is the illustrator Norman Rockwell. His story-telling through his art and his work methods and ethics have had a great impact on me and my own artwork.
Using my talent and gift for artwork to inspire, bring joy, and celebrate life and legacy is what draws me to give my best to my creations every day that I am in my studio. Ultimately and above all, I want my sculptures to point people skyward—to the One without whom life would be as hopeless as a piece of art devoid of meaning.
What do you think is the goal or mission that drives your creative journey?
Like a lot of artists, I have tried to incorporate throughout my work one cohesive theme—a driving force that permeates every brushstroke, every bit of clay I mold. This mission is summed up and rooted in the words of the composer Johann Sebastian Bach: “Soli Deo Gloria.” To God alone be the glory. In my daily life, as well as my professional life, I strive to make this the foundation upon which every decision rests. It serves as a succinct yet profound reminder to myself to give one hundred percent of the credit to a sovereign God, and to find purpose in my career beyond personal recognition or fame. I have always faced an ongoing struggle between a large ego and a humble heart. In a world where ego is lauded as an idol to be fed by empty praise and the constant message that you yourself are self-sufficient, the pursuit of pleasing God rather than seeking validation from others becomes a never-ending challenge. “Soli Deo Gloria” becomes a harder and harder mindset to maintain. I must daily recognize that feeding the ego does not lead to fulfillment, but that true contentment comes from a humble heart—in the words of C.S. Lewis, “Humility is not thinking less of yourself, but thinking of yourself less”—and the selfless pursuit of glorifying God through the use of my talent.
Moving myself out of the picture and allowing the Creator to work in and then through me is essential. This approach and mindset result in more meaningful and fruitful artistic expression, making the creative journey more purposeful and fulfilling in a way that the endless pursuit of personal fame and self-satisfaction never could.
How about pivoting – can you share the story of a time you’ve had to pivot?
Change and the need and ability to pivot is an integral part of any career, but uniquely so in regards to an artistic or creative one. I had to pivot as recently as yesterday. I will do the same today and tomorrow and the day after that. In my line of work, I am constantly pivoting and adapting to change. I think often of a phrase I found in a particularly sagacious fortune cookie—“Let your intentions create your methods and not the other way around.” It is a great reminder because it sums up the idea of how a creative person needs to be led by the design, intention, and goal, and not by the way in which they get there. Often one gets scared of envisioning the end product in one’s mind and wonders, “How is this supposed to happen?” and then we change the end product so that it fits our methods or tools. This is a normal response. But the how-to’s must follow the direction and goal. The how-to’s are the path. So as an artist I feel as though I am pivoting on a daily basis, while at the same time leaning on my steadfast and systematic approach in the learning, research, practice, exercise, and execution of my work. But if one is too scared of change, one will never pick up a new tool to try. Embracing change and being able to pivot is an artistic journey in itself. In the world of art, adaptability is essential for growth and creative development. The willingness to embrace change, set intentions, and allow the process to unfold on its own leads to artistic evolution and opens doors to new creative possibilities. This approach not only shapes the artist’s career but also enriches their passion for art, making the creative journey a rewarding and exciting one.
Contact Info:
- Website: www.briankeithfineart.com