"Sometimes, there’s that glorious, transcendent moment when, all at once, it just feels done."

Alabama-based artist Keith Thomson creates quick-witted art that blends social realism and surrealism, often with an ironic twist. His background as a political cartoonist in the 90s reflects in the sharp storytelling his artwork achieves. He paints with Trouser, his faithful golden retriever and wire-haired terrier mix. Keith also writes spy novels and nonfiction articles.

We interviewed Keith to get a glimpse of his creative life. His responses were as witty as his art. 

Please tell us about yourself. What’s your home life like? What are your special interests?

A mundane suburban existence that would be unremarkable if not for recurring ninja attacks. I’m interested in drawing, dogs, baseball, and—naturally—shurikens.

What are you most proud of—whether in art or another part of your life?

One year, the Little League team I coached, on which one of my kids played, won the league championship.

Do you have any studio rituals that help you get into a creative flow?

I have a nice chair—technically, a gaming chair. I'm not sure that's relevant to creativity, but it can't hurt.

How do you structure your day?

I work during that classic suburban dad window, whenever my family’s job, school, and dog park schedules allow.

Where do you find inspiration for your art?

It’s purely escapism. And nothing makes you crave an alternate reality like reading the news.

Tell us about your evolution as an artist.

For nine years, I spent my free time coaching Little League baseball. When my kids "retired" at age 12, I considered taking up golf and asked a golf-fanatic friend what clubs to get. He said, “Why not go back to drawing? You used to be good at that.” I think he just didn’t want me in his club.

How do you decide when an artwork is finished?

Sometimes, there’s that glorious, transcendent moment when, all at once, it just feels done. Just as often, I return the following day and see eight or nine things that need changing.

What is the most interesting observation someone has made about your work?

A person attending a recent show said that I don’t do a good enough job rendering straight lines on the sides of buildings and that I should use a ruler.

Is there an artwork from another artist that has had a significant impact on you?

Cartoons by Jack Ohman of the Oregonian, who later won the Pulitzer Prize for editorial cartooning at The Sacramento Bee. After college, when I worked at an ad agency, I called him to see if he would illustrate an ad. To my surprise, he answered his own phone. I said, “I think you’re one of the two or three best cartoonists in America.” He said, “I think you have the wrong number.” During the project, he encouraged me to draw myself, leading to my work as a cartoonist for New York Newsday.

What’s your favorite museum?

The New Museum in New York. It’s always mind-expanding—just not in a way that impairs your ability to operate a motor vehicle afterward.

Is there anything else you’d like to share to help viewers better understand your work?

It’s meant purely to provide escapism and an improvement over a blank wall.