KEO, Jim J. ARTIST STATEMENT:
As an undergraduate in Fine Arts I developed a passion for painting, drawing, collage, and sculpture. This passion remains a central force in my life and career, as artist and architect. As a longtime practitioner of the meditative based martial arts of Neigong and Qigong, I was naturally drawn to the art of East Asian calligraphy, studying under Japanese artist, Zen teacher, and author Kaz Tanahachi. The state of mind known as "mushin" is the disposition of clearing one's mind and letting the brush and letters flow out of themselves, effortlessly. This mode of being and process has influenced my life and the various creative disciplines as they evolve and inform one another in a interplay of the creativity and reflection.
My works are created through layering process involving both spontaneous and reflective movements, combining acrylic, gesso, sumi ink and other media. Typically beginning with a contemplative sumi ink gesture, the evolving layers of color and transparency lead slowly to discovery of an an asserting form and atmosphere. Inspiration and impulses are informed by various meditative practices, walks in nature, classical music, light, and darkness. Currently painting in studio workshops with Tadashi Hayakawa, I am expanding the size and depth of these extempore ensembles.
EDUCATION
Washington University
St. Louis, Missouri 1995
Master of Architecture
Mackintosh School of Architecture
Glasgow, Scotland 1994
Masters Studio/ Urban Design
University of Bridgeport
Bridgeport, Connecticut 1992
Bachelor of Science, Design/ Studio Art
Cum Laude, Deans List
Monson Proctor Institute of Art
Utica, New York 1989
Fine Arts
AWARDS
Dennis & Judith Jones Performing Arts Center
St. Louis, MO
AIA Merit Award
Edward Jones Data Center
St. Louis, MO
Design Excellence Award
Masonry Excellence Award
Fenton Town Planning Charrette
First Place
Huish Corporate Headquarters
Salt Lake City, UT
Tracy Bradley Spirit Award
AFFILIATIONS
ACS
ANFA
ARCHITECTURAL REGISTRATION
Missouri
Colorado
FINE ART
Nagasaki Perfectual Art Museum 2018
International Exhibition
Pace Center Galley 2018
Snowmass Fall Art Exhibition 2018, 2017
Transparency Public Sculpture 2010
By Michael Clapper 2010
Project Curatorial Lead
St. Louis People Project 2004
Artist and Exhibitor
Jim Dine Car Crash 1996
Reenactment
EMPLOYMENT
Charles Cunniffe Architects Aspen, Colorado (Mar. 2011 – Present)
Design Leader
Z-Group Architects Aspen, Colorado (Sept. 2004 – Mar. 2011)
Design Principal
Arcturis St. Louis, Missouri (May 2000 – Sept. 2004)
Design Director
De Stefano + Partners Chicago, Illinois (Nov. 1999 – May 2000)
Project Manager/ Designer
THP Architects (Nexus) Salt Lake City, Utah (July 1997 - Nov. 1999)
Project Manager/ Designer
STUDIES and TRAVEL
Studies and Writings
Neuroscience and Design for Wellbeing
Biophilia and Sustainable Design
Contemplative Practices for Greater Consciousness
Snowmass Arts Advisory Board
Public Art Chair (2006- 2016)
Guest Design Studio Critic
Washington University School of Architecture
University of Utah School of Architecture
Design Studio Assistant
Washington University
Senior Level Design Studio
Travel Studies
Historic and contemporary architecture and urbanism:
Portugal, Spain, and the Tedenza Movement., 1999-2002
Spain and mid-20th Century Art and Architecture 2000
Germany and Switzerland Late 20 Century Architecture and Urbanism, 1994
LECTURER
ARCHITECTURE and WELLBEING
Aspen Art Museum, 2018; Aspen Rotary, 2017; Telluride Ideas Festival, 2016
SPANISH ART and ARCHITECTURE of Mid 20 Century, 2000 - 2004
GERMAN RATIONALISM in Late 20th Century European Architecture, 1995
