KEO (Jim Kehoe):” Diversions”
My practice is both an intuitive and spontaneous act of making, where the stillness in mind meets the body in motion, and where intention meets chance, says KEO. Rooted in the discipline of Japanese Zen shodo calligraphy, my work emerges from a contemplative mind, carried by the energy, movement, and breath of the body, as I synthesize materials and gestures within a play of improvisation and precision. I work across paper, canvas, and natural materials to explore a threshold between motion and stillness, between abstraction and recognition. In a world that rarely pauses, my work offers a moment of pause and stillness, a return to a mindful state.
Diversions is a contemplative journey through a dynamic interplay of form and formlessness, featuring both 2D and 3D works that move between abstraction and representation. Blending the spontaneity of gesture with the discipline of geometry, the exhibit reflects a practice rooted in Zen calligraphy and guided by intuition. Through diverse modalities each piece offers a pause, an invitation to step away from daily distraction and re-enter a space of stillness and reflection.
About KEO
Keo’s artistic journey has been shaped by a wide range of influences, each leaving a distinct imprint on his skill and approach. Keo’s painting practice was profoundly shaped after studying the East Asian art of shodo calligraphy during Zen meditation retreats with artist and Zen scholar Kaz Tanahashi. The discipline of calligraphy resonated deeply with his practice of zazen meditation and the internal martial arts of tai chi and qi gong. These disciplines have collectively informed his life, his spirituality, and his creative process. As Yuji Akimoto writes, “In calligraphy, unlike painting, there is no going back to correct things. What is on the paper is there for good, and for this reason, it is called a one-time-only art, as irreversible as time itself.” Another pivotal moment occurred when Keo met international artist Tadashi Hayakawa during a workshop at an arts center, an encounter that sparked a lasting friendship and had a profound influence on his art and life. I’m captivated by your artwork. It is a reflection of your spirit. Most splendid use of paint. You express the infinite. ~ Darek Shapiro, Architect Sandstone carvings, 2023
In addition to his art practice, Jim is a licensed architect with a deep interest in wellbeing and human flourishing within the built environment. With his firm KEO studioworks, he explores the biological and cognitive effects of space, developing design approaches that foster health and wellbeing for occupants. After 20 years of living in Colorado, Jim now splits time between his architecture practice in Western Colorado and his art studio in Taos, NM. With regular journeys to the desert, participation in meditation and calligraphy retreats, and ongoing studio work in Taos, NM, Keo continues to expand the scale, scope, and depth of his extemporaneous works.
Show Run Dates: Sep 25, 2025 - Oct 18, 2025
Opening Reception: September 26, 6-9 p.m.
First Friday: October 3, 6-9 p.m.