About Ray – Native Art
Ray is a Native Cree/Metis artist who was born and raised in the foothills of Alberta and who has family roots on the Sucker River Reserve north of Lac La Ronge, Saskatchewan.
Art has been an integral part of Keighley’s life since early childhood and in 1988 he graduated with a BFA from the University of Saskatchewan. He now lives and works in Warman, Sask.
Keighley’s work varies from realism to a more abstract, conceptual practice. He has extensive experience as a painter and printmaker. Besides smaller works, Ray enjoys working on murals. Native content often gives an added creative energy to Keighley’s art objects, reflecting the artist’s balance between his ethnic origins, his life and his work.
Artistic Inspiration
As a practicing native artist, I really do not think of inspiration in its formal sense. The world, God’s Creation, includes; sky, water, landscape, plants, birds, animals, and people. They are sources of inspiration for me. I believe that all people were created in God’s image and that seed deep in our being inspires us to create works of art and marvellous things in life which reflect who we are culturally and spiritually. All humans are created to glorify God, whether we know it or not.
I happen to be of Aboriginal ancestry, so much of my native art reflects that part of me. I am a Christian so those themes show up in my artwork. I am always working out my experiences through the filters of my personality and art talent, which I believe is God-given. I am by no means perfect or have achieved perfection. That is not as important to me then making art that interests me and my patrons.
For some artists, there are spiritual, ethical, political and social inspirations both negative and positive that motivate them and their art. That is not my primary interest, though on occasion I will find inspiration there. Wildlife and nature inspire me. Using people as inspiration for artwork interests me also but it is hard to get people that will be the subject matter for an artist to paint and create artworks.
When I am really connected to that “creative energy” I sense that I am just the vehicle by which this artwork is coming out. I am just there for the ride because when I look at what I’ve done I am the most surprised that, “I did that!” and I am the most grateful for that experience. I thank the Lord for those times and this gift.
For more information email Ray at raykeighley@msn.com or call 306-260-9727.
Ray has various reproduced and original art pieces for sale. Shop online now and order your favourite piece.
Group Exhibitions
| 2008 | Exhibit in ‘Reflections of Nature’ wood carvings won 2nd Best in Show for Novice OSAC ‘One Hundred Horizons’ travelling show ends in Prince Albert, SK (June) |
| 2005 | Kenderdine Art Gallery, U. of S. Campus, “Intangible Assets” show “Prairie Lady” Acrylic Painting Saskatoon Printmakers Association (S.P.A.) One Hundred Horizons Saskatchewan Crafts Council, Saskatoon Chapel Gallery, North Battleford Wanuskewin, Saskatoon |
| 2003 | S.P.A. show, City Hospital, Saskatoon S.P.A. Francis Morrison Library, Saskatoon |
| 2002 | S.P.A. The Artisans Arts and Crafts Sale S.P.A. Chapel Gallery, North Battleford |
| 1998 | First Nations Art ’98’ Woodland Cultural and Education Centre, Brantford, ON |
| 1994 | Mendel Art Galley, Saskatoon Wildlife Art Show, Zoological Society, Saskatoon |
Solo Exhibitions
| 2014 | Ancestral Roots, Rosthern Arts Centre Ebook Children’s Story – Illustrations – “Jackson’s Worst Day Ever” (January) |
| 2013 | Cake Witch Café – Rosthern, SK Ancestral Ground, St. Thomas More Gallery, Saskatoon Dec 2012 – Feb 2013 |
| 1994 | TUKWA’KI PISIM or AUTUMN MOON, Wanuskewin Gallery, Saskatoon |
| 1992 | Mendel Art Galley, Saskatoon |
| 1991 | Art Works Gallery, Saskatoon |
| 1988 | B.F.A. Show, Snelgrove Gallery, U of S |
Murals
| 2005 | Moose Jaw Mural Paint Off – Grand Prize Winner |
| 2004 | Participated in the competition Sask. Parliament building Centennial Mural |
| 2002 | Alpha and Omega Mural 8 feet by 60 feet, church ceiling Martensville Alliance Church (MAC), Martensville, SK |
| 1998 | ‘Prairie Winter’ 7 feet by 32 feet, on the wall MAC |
| 1991 | ‘Almighty Voice’ Mural on a brick wall, 30 feet by 23 feet, Duck Lake, SK. |
Projects
| 2015 | Parks Canada – Won contract to do nine paintings about Bresaylor Metis’ participation in the Cutknife Rebellion of 1885 |
| 2009 | Saskatchewan Native Theatre Art Auction |
| 2008 | “Reflections of Nature” Saskatchewan Wildlife Art Show – Oct. Awarded second best in show for novice woodcarving. Snow Sculpture – Quebec Carnival ‘Birth of a Nation’. Won ‘Artist Choice’ trophy |
| 2005 | Saskatchewan Centennial Quarter Design – runner-up Parks Canada – Rendezvous Canada 2005 – Saskatoon Painting/ Print “Li Dawns Kisakihin” The Dance to Keep Time Painting is in Batoche-Informational Centre |