Young Artist Shares Insights Into Art And Life

(C) 2014 Luke T. Bush

PLATTSBURGH CITY, NY – 6/14/14

When it comes to art Keagan Bond doesn’t mind sharing “secrets.”

“Anything is possible,” the thirteen-year-old artist tells me.  “Never give up.”

He guides me around the ROTA Gallery during the opening reception for his solo exhibit.  With each work he explains how it was created.

The tour demonstrates his talent in a variety of media: pen and ink, melting beads, painted egg shells.

A number of his works feature superheroes.  His favorites?  He listed Spider-Man, Batman, The Hulk, Captain America, Green Lantern, Thor and Iron Man.

Why does he like superheroes so much?

“They’re cool,” he states.

Speaking of cool the catering table features Keagan’s favorite foods: Hershey candy bars, York Peppermint Patties, and pizza.

Artist Keagan Bond (right) discusses his work with some patrons at the opening reception for his solo exhibit at ROTA Gallery.

On one wall is arrayed an installation of cartoons and text.  The autobiographical “Diary of an Autism Kid” illustrates key events in his life, adapted from Jeff Kinney’s series, “Diary of a Wimpy Kid.”

His execution and detail is impressive.  How does he create such work?

He shares another “secret.”  He sees an object or scene in real life and his memory records it in detail.

Keagan even retains details from his dreams.  He explains how he dreamed of a go-cart constructed out of candy including gumdrops.  After he woke up he could still perfectly envision the imaginary go-cart, drawing it exactly as seen in his dream. 

His private art instructor, Jeff Woodard, relates how one time he asked Keagan to expand a small image to fill up a wall.  Working with his photographic memory Keagan enlarged to image to fit the space with proper proportions while not using special references, a natural talent.

Jeff was been working with Keagan to develop his talent.  As an instructor he lets Keagan keep his individualistic style while introducing him to different media.

Jeff adds that Keagan strives for the best, sticking with a project until it’s just right.

When I leave the reception Keagan reminds me of his key secret:

“Anything is possible.  Never give up.”

“Keagan Bond, My Art World” will be on display until June 28^th.  ROTA Gallery is located at 50 Margaret Street and is open depending upon volunteer staff.  More info: email - rotagallery@gmail.com or Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/rotagallery .