First things first. My name is Ivan Keel. I wasn’t an abused child, and my mom didn’t drop me too many times. That she left up to my older brother and myself. I wasn’t so good at dropping him so I picked up the pencil instead. The Feud between us continued at break neck speed as he improved at his profession and me at mine. He went to the military, and left me to my art.

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My art continued to improve, and my brother had me create him a back piece and some more ink for his military comrades. School called my name and I went to 2 years for graphic design. With two years left and the open road calling my name I didn’t see much of a choice.

The summer of my 20th year I left all the places I called home and any predetermined plans behind. I ended up 2,500 miles from home and in Miami, sleeping in my car in August with the windows rolled up. From there I moved to Daytona Beach and lived on the beach and started drawing flash and drinking beer for the first time legally. But who really cares. I am here to talk about my work not my life.

The work itself covers a broad range of subject matter. However, it is unified by its oddity. Each page contains a pencil drawn background. This graphite was intended to be visual appealing as well as serving as design extender for custom works by individual shops. Ideas for the work are completely original. Many of the designs contain illusions, hidden images, or hidden writing. Examples of this:

Volume 1 number 1 contains the three vulture tree. Volume 1 number 4 contains a woman’s body formed by the garden she is walking in. Volume 1 number 5 contains a hidden female in the negative space of the butterflies. Volume 1 number 7 contains such oddities as the octopus/elephant, and the four faced butterfly. Volume 1 number eight contains a scene with panda bears (the same image flipped vertically changes to giraffes.) The same page also has a lion constructed with roses and a parrot made from a mermaid and manatee. Volume 2 number 1 displays the dueling dragon tongues and the praying mantis yin-yang. Volume 2 number 6 has hidden writing in the wax on the skull candle, and “VISION” in the one eyed partial skull.

There are many more, so keep your eyes open when you are looking at the work and never rely on your first impression. But it is really not up to me to decide what you think of my work. If you please, take a look.

I would appreciate any feedback that you have on the work. Your opinions are extremely beneficial to my progress in the field. I thank you very much for taking the time to read my bio and encourage you to look at all of the other amazing artists on the Flash2xs.com site.

IVAN KEEL