Charles Keller’s fascinating paintings display characteristics of what has been termed “formline” art, the unique regional style of the indigenous people of the Pacific Northwest Coast. He came to appreciate this decorative and representational art form while living in Seattle.
Aspects of this style are recognized in specific design elements including continually tapering and turning formlines, distinctive ovoid and “U” shapes, and characteristic eye structures. The formlines define the shape of the subject and invite the eye to travel continuously around the image without leaving it, conveying a sense of motion and vitality.
Chuck does not present his paintings as “Native American” because he is not Native American and does not attempt to reproduce their work. Rather, he has found that formline art offers many opportunities and challenges in creating balanced, visually pleasing compositions. He enjoys exploring the limits of the style and promoting awareness and appreciation of this unique art form and the First Nations cultures in which it was developed.