About Me & My Work

I’m a Minnesota based artist and avid fly fisherman.  I grew up learning to fish on the Mississippi River, while spending the rest of my free time drawing dragons, Wolverine, cyborgs, dragon-cyborg-Wolverines while listening to a rotation of heavy metal and classic hip hop cassette tapes with my brother.

I have an MFA in painting and drawing from the University or Wisconsin-Madison, and an undergraduate degree from Macalester.  My work has been shown all over the U.S. and has been used by outdoor apparel and gear companies like Simms and Patagonia.  I’m active in conservation and advocacy efforts involving clean water, public lands, and positive community building; I use my art to not only raise awareness about these issues, but also raise money by donating at least 30% of the revenue made from my art to various organizations fighting for clean water and environmental protection.

The work itself spans my life as an artist and fisherman, exploring the intersection of the intangible and almost religious qualities of fly fishing, and the emotional power of primordial nature and a good riff. It’s a feeling hard to describe in words, although many great writers have done so. For me, the work acts as an expression of something that should evoke a sense of wonder, fright, excitement and pure energy that comes from time spent interacting with fish through line and rod, all while submerged in the places these dragons and beasts roam.  

1. Leverage my position as an artist
2. Get involved
3. Be accountable

Thanks to the fine folks that have supported my work through collaboration and sponsorship:

Smith Optics | Bob Mitchell’s Fly Shop | Simms | Patagonia | Flood Tide Clothing | Rhymesayers/Atmosphere | The Fly Fish Journal | Allen Fly Fishing | PigFarmInk

Last updated: 8.25.17

All views and materials expressed and used on the site are property of Jake Keeler, and do not reflect the views and/or positions of anyone else but Jake Keeler.