ARTIST BIO
Internally driven, and emotionally charged, Keck’s original abstract art and mixed media paintings have been described as “dark yet uplifting simultaneously”. Keck works in a wide variety of mediums. When viewing Keck’s portfolio for the first time one is under the belief that the works presented are the creations of several talented artists. The diverse collections however are the efforts of just one. Explosive abstract art paintings, contemporary mixed media collage art, recycled art, spiritual paintings and her intricate and obsessive circle drawings are just some of the styles you will uncover when you delve into Keck’s portfolio of works.
“Keck’s expansive surfaces command the attention of passers-by, reward the focus of new as well as seasoned collectors and transform a static wall into a crystal ball. Few creations rival the pure power, active style and personal impact of Keck’s work.” That is how John Yimin, advisor/caretaker of The Ioema Collection, reacts to the work of self-taught artist Michel Keck.
Keck, born in South Dakota has spent much of her life living and working in various parts of Indiana. She and is a self-taught, abstract mixed media artist. While Michel has been creating art in various forms throughout her life it was not until 2003, after having naturally reversed several serious health conditions via a raw food diet and fasting, that she started creating her art on a full-time basis.
In a fairly short period of time, Keck accomplished unheard of achievements for a self-taught & self-representing artist. Selling her original abstract art & mixed media paintings via methods that most in the art world deemed unconventional, Keck garnered the attention of astute, contemporary art collectors around the world. By the end of 2006 Keck sold over 1,500 original paintings to art collectors throughout the U.S., Canada, Brazil, Japan, Australia, New Zealand, Netherlands, Ireland, Chile, France, Italy, Austria, Portugal, Greece, Norway, Malta, Puerto Rico and the United Arab Emirates.
Keck’s original abstract art paintings and mixed media assemblages have been exhibited in London, New York, Cincinnati, Chicago, Los Angeles, Dallas, Indianapolis, High Point, Pittsburgh, Lake Tahoe, Las Vegas, and Hong Kong. Her original works and her line of fine art prints hang in the private and corporate collections of art collectors, actors, professional athletes, a former presidential candidate, restaurateurs, and, notably, her art is also part of the collection of billionaire art collector Chinh Chu. Her works have also been seen on both television and the big screen.
ARTIST STATEMENT
My creative process is a journey of connection, energy, and release. It is rooted in nature, meditation, and grounding — elements that shape the way I experience the world and express it through art. When I create, I tap into the rhythm of life itself. Music is my greatest inspiration, with every beat, every lyric, and every emotion I feel from the sounds guiding my brushstrokes. My abstract works reflect the dance between these emotions and the energy they stir within me.
Creating is a cathartic experience — a deep, emotional release where I can shed layers of thought and simply be. It is like riding a roller coaster, filled with unpredictable highs and lows, twists and turns. Just as life is in constant motion and change, so too is the process of making art. Each piece is a reflection of the energy that flows through me in that moment — a snapshot of my thoughts, feelings, and the dynamic pulse of the world around me.
Through my work, I invite viewers to experience the raw, unfiltered essence of emotion, grounding them in the present moment. My art is an invitation to connect with the energy that drives us all, to find beauty in movement and change, and to embrace the catharsis of letting go. Supporting my art means supporting a journey of expression, healing, and the continual exploration of the self.
Advocacy for Artists’ Rights
Due to the widespread demand for her unique creations, Keck has unfortunately found herself a victim of trademark and copyright infringement. As a result, she has become an advocate for artists facing similar challenges, speaking out on these issues and offering guidance to help other independent creators navigate legal complexities. Keck is actively working to raise awareness and push for a more equitable approach to intellectual property rights, urging the government and court system to treat the IP rights of small, independent creators with the same seriousness as those of celebrities and billion-dollar corporations.
