Welcome to excavations, web site for the art of Erica Keener. 

Although I have been drawing and painting for as long as I can remember, it has been only recently that life has allowed me to pursue art as more than a hobby.   I received a BA in anthropology from Ohio State in 1991, and spent most of the years since working as an archaeologist, taking art classes as time and funding permitted.  When a move to the country (and the state of the economy) made continuing a career in archaeology difficult, I decided to take my art more seriously. 

Having grown up in the city of Columbus, my childhood experiences with the less urban parts of Ohio were limited to frequent trips to city parks and the view from the back seat during visits to family members and vacations.   As an archaeologist, I have been able to travel extensively throughout the state, and the rural landscape has had a profound influence on my art.  Barns, open spaces and sky have come to dominate both the view from my kitchen window and my work.   

A fascination with the natural world is there as well, something my parents instilled in me from an early age.  Indeed, my shelves are filled not only with books on art, but also guide books on trees, wildflowers, birds and gardening, all well worn since our relocation to my husband’s family farm.  Deer come into our yard and eat from the garden, the kids climb trees and catch crawdads, and there are a hundred acres in which to find inspiration, as well as a 200 year old farm house filled with antiques and knickknacks.

Pastels are my preferred medium, allowing me to be as meticulous or loose as I want to be, depending on the subject and my mood.  Bright colors, especially blues,  dominate, influenced by a study tour in Greece.  Often I use colored paper, incorporating it into the piece as a sort of underpainting, contrary to conventional wisdom which calls for a neutral background.

Painting is a celebration of color and light, a joyous occasion for me.  I hope my painting brings the same joy to the viewer.