In the Studio with Artist Viki Keating
Today, we’re going In the Studio with artist Viki Keating. Viki’s artwork is currently on display in the Chesapeake Arts Center’s Her Ideas, Her Stories: Women Artists Gallery exhibit.
As a glass artist, Viki Keating has been honing her craft for over 35 years. Drawing inspiration from nature, she dissects and reconstructs the textures, color and lines she finds in her surroundings. Viki’s pieces are very earthy and organic, imitating the forms she finds in nature with a modern feel in their glossy medium and contemporary composition. Keating creates large-scale architectural installations as well as sculptural pieces and functional pieces.
Here’s Viki talking about her art, process and experience...
How would you describe your style of work?
My work always seems to involve something from nature. Whether it is some color or texture or even symbolism. Always a unique take on nature.
Tell me about your favorite medium.
Glass is by far the medium I usually always gravitate to. However I love mixing it with other materials, metal, wood, stone.
What characteristic(s) about your personality shows through your art?
I love Nature and gardening and all that encompasses. Butterflies, insects all kinds of plants and everything involved in the earth.
How have your life experiences influenced your aesthetic style?
Traveling the world and studying all types of art has opened me up too trying all types of techniques and experimenting with different mediums.
What's your biggest barrier to being a female artist? How do you address it?
I haven’t experienced very many barriers because I work alone pretty much. However when I am interacting I think people, especially men are surprised that I know how to use so many tools and how to manipulate and use machinery. However I never let that stop me. I just charge ahead.
Do you think there’s a double standard in the industry?
I find that mostly in the world of public art. In the glass world there does not seem to be as big of a division.
Do your works comment on contemporary social or political issues; if so, how?
I have never been very social or political in my work. It more about a mindfulness and seeking inner meaning. Or sometimes I have tried to make comments about ecology and the destruction of nature.
What are your biggest motivations?
Usually I have to have an idea or vision I want to realize.
How do you market yourself and your work?
I’m terrible at marketing. I do have a website which is really a portfolio but lately I have not kept up with it. And now that so many galleries have closed it is worse. My daughter is better at marketing for me.
When you are working through problems in your work, who do you talk to?
I usually check with whatever people are skilled in the medium I want to know about. I belong to a glass guild which is great about sharing.
What are you working on at the moment?
Been taking a break from my art and working on things for my first granddaughter. Although I guess I have been making art for her. Quilts and mobiles etc.
What did you have to develop, try or learn to create your artwork?
I have learned to perfect metal working and wood working and many other techniques to add to my fused glass and glass casting. All the glass techniques took many years to learn.
How do you prepare to start a new piece? (do you have a ritual, do research, sketch it out, talk it out…)
If it is a commission I find out all the parameters and measurements and the especially figure out how it will hang or be supported. Then I work on colors and finally just keep thinking about it until I have some ideas. Then I may sketch som ideas and keep refining.
Who would be your dream artist to collaborate with?
Vincent Van Gogh
What’s the best thing about being an artist?
Freedom and variety of my life.
For more information on Viki and her glass work, check out her website.
Hal Gomer Gallery Hours:
Monday-Thursday 10:00am-6:00pm
Saturday 10am-1pm ( starting on January 15, 2022)
*Visitors are required to call ahead to reserve a time to view the exhibit. Please call CAC’s main office at 410-636-6597 during our business hours Monday - Thursday, 10:00 am-6:00pm to reserve a date and time. Visitors will be checked in upon arrival and masks are required to enter the gallery and CAC building.
