Keetra Dean Dixon

Posted by Fabio 4 November 2009

Keetra Dean Dixon is a rare breed of designer/artist who delivers on both counts. Her graphic design demonstrates an exquisite skill and her installation pieces are provoking and emotional. Tomorrow KK Outlet will launch her first solo exhibition. We caught up with Keetra to find out more about her work and the exhibition.

We understand you grew up in Alaska, living in New York must be quite a cultural contrast. Is that something you were hoping for?
I guess I tend towards extremes. This holds very true in the surroundings I search out. Growning up in Alaska always had me longing for culture emersion & human clutter, NYC has a wealth of both. I can’t pick a favorite – for now I am happy to call them both true loves.

As an artist you are also working under the name “From Keetra”, to us it seems like a very personal and one to one way of communicating with your audience. Is that right or are we completely wrong?
You guessed it. I love the idea of unexpected, intimate correspondence between strangers. In my head, most of my work follows that pattern. A conversation between myself and one other. Connected but distant. Honest but guarded. Understated and understood.

Your work has a consitently positive message. Is that important to you?
I can be as cynical as I can be doe eyed, but if I am given a choice I will always lean towards a brighter out look. I try to exercise the optimism when I can.

Can you tell us about the ideas and inspirations behind “It’s All Around You All The Time”, your first solo show?
I can be a little overly analytical when I am making work. For “It’s all around you all the time” I tried to shake myself out of the head space & just make a few things. The work is routed in my usual foundational themes – a quest for the willingness to wonder and empathize – but the specifics of the theme seemed to narrow a bit. I heading towards addressing hangups in the quest to relate – co-dependancy, misinterpretation & intentions VS actions. But there are still a few generalized moments open for the wonder bug – some bubble blowing & what not.

What do you hope a visitor will get from seeing your show?
I hope people leave smiling.

what are your aspirations for the future?
A shift in scale is around the corner. The next works will be in Papa Bear & baby bear sizes.

What is your favorite time of the day?
8pm – time to feed the pups, which is announced by the sound of digital barking dogs on my phone. My real life pups go mad for that dinner bell.

KEETRA DEAN DIXON: It’s All Around You All The Time
Private View: Thursday 5th November 7 – 9pm
Exhibition runs: 5–27 November, KK Outlet, Hoxton Square 42

www.fromkeetra.com