The artist moved to Portland from Ohio in 1983. He has lived in the St. Johns neighborhood since 1996. His art works are primarily acrylic-on-carved-linoleum paintings, a technique he developed himself. They are based on very detailed Plein Air drawings made on yearly self-directed art retreats throughout the NW. He also works in screen printmaking, etching, and found-wood constructive sculpture.
The compositions evolve from drawings by the addition of figures, bird and animals seen on site, as well as local flora. The narratives reference aspects of his daily life. Physical, emotional, intellectual, or spiritual concerns are all contemplated and addressed. He tries to decipher the range and nature of human experience by chronicling his own most personal experiences.
His work has been exhibited widely in the NW and can be found in the collections of the Portland Art Museum, the Jundt Art Museum, the City of Portland, Jordan Schnitzer and many others. He has taught workshops at Sitka Center for Art and Ecology, and guest lectured at Marylhurst University, Willamette University, Western Oregon University and others. He served as the president of the Northwest Print Council, the Friends of Gilkey Center, and the Portland Art Dealer's Association.
"I try to make artwork of beauty and depth. I create autobiographical narratives that explore the range and nature of human experience by chronicling my own most personal experiences. I use color in my work in an emotional or expressionistic way, often contrasting complimentary colors or values to heighten the emotional content of these allegorical works. I have always needed to create. My earliest memory is of my mother and me sitting and drawing images from magazines. Since then, I have employed various media over the years, and my curiosity continues to lead me to explore other means to express this innate and always present need. I try to make the figures in my work appear vulnerable and open to the wonder of the world." |
Media: Drawing | Etching | Painting | Printmaking
Studio Number: 1
Address: 9831 N. Smith Street Portland OR 97203
Community: N Portland
Accessibility: Not Wheelchair accessible
Email: rathbunr@hotmail.com
Website: rkeaneyrathbun.com
Instagram: @keaneyrathbun
Facebook: @r.keaney.rathbun
