Howie Keck: REDISCOVERED.

Its currently 5:10 in the morning while writing this and I'm up browsing through all types of postings on Craigslist. I hit the apartment tab and I stumble upon one ad that seems appeasing. The apartment looks cool and clean but that's not what keeps me on the ad.

Its the art in the back that I'm drawn to. I read the ad and he presents himself as Howie Keck, a really artsy farsty name. I'm drawn in already.

He says his Facebook page is open to view his work, and me being nosy, I did just that. I ended up clicking picture after picture in awe. The depth, the surrealism. Every painting is like a mythical journey. The colours serve as a roller coaster through a blank amusement park. I'm not huge on art; far from a connoisseur but I have a slight knowledge of it. I do know great art when I see, and I also know bad art when I see...

I think it's innate in all of us. Howie's art has a museum feel with a street edge. Almost poking fun at peoples view of celebrities. He turns the great Michael Jackson into a clown, puts polka dots all over Jerry Seinfeld and adds tons of make up to a smiling David Letterman.

Doing some research on Keck, I came across a piece from 1997, where he was interviewed by CNN. In the interview he states that he's never met any of the artists that he has painted, and went further to say he doesn't do this for that type of recognition.

Very ambitious, I must say.

In a time where everyone is focused on the money and not the moments, its awesome to hear someone say that they look out for the little guy, the ones who are simply just bored. Sometimes to discover something or someone that you feel should be bigger is bittersweet. I feel like I want to be the advocate for such an artist, but I also feel like these artists should be on billboards all over the world. Keck has the model look, the mind of a madman and the attitude of an overzealous artist. Basically, all the makings of being larger than life. He has what it takes to be in the realm of the Basquaits, the Banksy's, and the Harings.

But that's just my opinion. Every stroke Howie Keck gives is a footstep for those unheard. For every person who has picked up a mic, recorded and hasn't been heard yet.

Keck is more than a regular artist. He is a possible leader of a new school. Salute Mr. Keck, for every artist who is missing a voice you're pictures and portraits scream aloud.