Podcast Summary: SWWP #16 - Lauryn Hill's Creative Director (feat. Keeley)
Host: Julian Delgado
Guest: Keeley
Release Date: May 6, 2025

Introduction

In episode 16 of "Something Wrong With The Podcast," host Julian Delgado welcomes Keeley, Lauryn Hill's Creative Director, for an in-depth conversation about art, creativity, and navigating the complexities of the modern cultural landscape. The episode delves into Keeley's diverse experiences, from working with iconic artists like Lauryn Hill and Kanye West to personal anecdotes that reveal the deeper connections between life and art.

A Surprising Arrival: Ghost the Dog

The episode kicks off with a heartfelt and symbolic story shared by Keeley about Ghost, a dog that unexpectedly appeared at his doorstep under distressing circumstances.

Keeley:

"I get an Amazon delivery and the Amazon driver comes up and he hands my package and he's like, yo, there's a dog sitting outside your door bleeding. And I was like, what? So I go downstairs and this beautiful white dog is just covered in blood, and he's got a like, an iPhone cord around his neck as his leash."
(00:56)

This poignant encounter leads to a discussion about compassion, responsibility, and the broader symbolism of Ghost's presence in Keeley's life.

Keeley:

"I feel like I was compelled. There's a reason he showed up at my door. And of all the doors in New York and the world, what if you were out walking him one day and the person that has him is like, yo, that's my dog?"
(02:23)

Keeley reflects on the emotional weight of rescuing Ghost and the subsequent decision to ensure the dog's safety and well-being.

Collaborations with Iconic Artists

Keeley's extensive work with prominent figures in the music industry is a central theme of the conversation. He shares insights into his collaborations with Lauryn Hill, Kanye West, Kendrick Lamar, and Gary Clark Jr., highlighting the fusion of art and music.

Julian Delgado:

"I haven't really asked you about it in depth yet. I want to save it for this. You're somehow involved in the process of acquiring Kanye's home."
(03:39)

Keeley:

"I helped promote the house. And then that led to a sale."
(04:33)

He further elaborates on his role in marketing Kanye West's Malibu home, discussing the challenges and creative strategies involved.

Keeley:

"The goal is probably still this summer. We're still going to exercise doing an art show and something to, you know, raise the value and raise awareness."
(05:20)

Art Direction and Creative Processes

Keeley's innovative approach to art direction is exemplified through his work designing unique suits for artists. He recounts the creation of a bespoke suit for Gary Clark Jr. for the Grammys, showcasing his ability to blend visual art with fashion.

Keeley:

"I bought a bolt of Laura Piana velvet, and I was staying at the dream hotel. I destroyed this hotel room with paint. I had the fabric laid out across the bed, and I..."
(14:15)

Despite the chaotic process, Keeley's dedication ensures the final product is a masterpiece, reinforcing his reputation as a creative visionary.

Navigating the Pandemic and Personal Growth

The COVID-19 pandemic posed significant challenges to Keeley's projects, leading him to explore new avenues for personal and artistic growth. He shares his transformative experience with ayahuasca in Brazil, a journey that deepened his connection to nature and spirituality.

Keeley:

"Every time you do it, you have, like, amazing breakthroughs and just, like, you know what? It just makes you feel like I'm much more aware and in tune with the universe."
(19:34)

This introspective period allowed Keeley to redefine his artistic vision and adapt to the shifting cultural landscape.

Value and Pricing in the Art World

A significant portion of the discussion revolves around the perception of value in art. Keeley contrasts his early approach—where he struggled to price his work appropriately—with the more strategic methods he employs today.

Keeley:

"I think what I really price it on is how it makes me feel. And if I love it, then I charge higher for it."
(27:57)

He emphasizes the importance of perceived value and the necessity of aligning pricing with personal satisfaction and artistic integrity.

Remixing Historical Photographs

Keeley's passion for breathing new life into historical photographs is highlighted through his collaboration with Astrid Kircher, steward of an extensive collection of Beatles' photographs. Together, they embarked on a project to remix and showcase these iconic images, blending archival material with Keeley's distinctive artistic style.

Keeley:

"I call it remixing the photographs. So I did a whole series of these and then we took the whole second floor of the museum was all my remixes of them."
(59:34)

This project not only honors the legacy of the Beatles but also demonstrates Keeley's ability to innovate within established artistic frameworks.

Balancing Commercial and Fine Art

Keeley discusses the delicate balance between commercial success and personal artistic fulfillment. He describes how his work with high-profile artists serves as his "gallery show," merging audience engagement with creative expression.

Keeley:

"If I do a stage for a musician or I design a tour, that's my gallery show instead of doing, like, a white wall gallery."
(51:43)

This hybrid approach allows Keeley to maintain cultural relevance while staying true to his artistic roots.

Influences and Artistic Philosophy

Drawing inspiration from a diverse array of artists and musical genres, Keeley articulates his philosophy of continuous growth and adaptation. He likens his layering techniques in painting to musical composition, creating dynamic and evolving pieces.

Keeley:

"It's like the base layer is kind of like, like a drum, drum stem. And then like, the layer on top of that is kind of like a base stem."
(62:57)

This analogy underscores his commitment to creating multi-dimensional art that invites ongoing discovery.

Future Projects and Innovations

Looking ahead, Keeley outlines several ambitious projects, including large-scale murals, collaborative installations, and innovative paint formulations incorporating unique textures like sand from famous beaches.

Keeley:

"One of the things that we're doing now is playing with all different types of textures and stuff. So, like, I have this new suede paint where we're taking sand from famous surf beaches all from all over the world."
(32:54)

These ventures reflect his relentless pursuit of pushing artistic boundaries and exploring new mediums.

Conclusion

Episode 16 of "Something Wrong With The Podcast" offers a rich exploration of Keeley's artistic journey, his collaborations with influential musicians, and his unwavering commitment to innovation. Through candid storytelling and insightful discussions, Keeley provides listeners with a profound understanding of the intersection between life, art, and culture.

Julian Delgado:

"I love this. This is sick, bro. Appreciate you, man."
(66:12)

As the episode wraps up, both host and guest express mutual admiration and excitement for future endeavors, leaving listeners inspired by Keeley's dedication and creative spirit.

Notable Quotes

• Keeley on Ghost's symbolism:

  "I feel like I was compelled. There's a reason he showed up at my door."
  (02:23)

• Keeley on Art Pricing:

  "If I love it, then I charge higher for it."
  (27:57)

• Keeley on Remixing Photographs:

  "I call it remixing the photographs. So I did a whole series of these."
  (59:34)

• Keeley on Artistic Philosophy:

  "If I do a stage for a musician or I design a tour, that's my gallery show instead of doing, like, a white wall gallery."
  (51:43)

• Keeley on Future Innovations:

  "I have this new suede paint where we're taking sand from famous surf beaches all from all over the world."
  (32:54)

Key Takeaways

1. Symbolism in Personal Encounters:
   Keeley's story about Ghost the dog highlights the unexpected ways life can inspire and influence art.

2. Collaborative Creativity:
   Working with artists like Lauryn Hill and Kanye West has significantly shaped Keeley's artistic direction and professional opportunities.

3. Adaptation During Crisis:
   The pandemic served as a catalyst for personal growth and artistic evolution, prompting Keeley to explore deeper spiritual and creative paths.

4. Perceived Value in Art:
   Keeley's approach to pricing art based on emotional connection rather than solely on materials or time invested offers a unique perspective in the art world.

5. Innovative Art Forms:
   Projects like remixing historical photographs and developing textured paints demonstrate Keeley's commitment to pushing artistic boundaries.

6. Balancing Commercial and Fine Art:
   Keeley's integration of commercial projects with personal artistic endeavors ensures both financial sustainability and creative fulfillment.

7. Continuous Growth:
   Influenced by a wide range of artists and musical genres, Keeley's philosophy emphasizes ongoing learning and adaptation.

Listen to the full episode of "Something Wrong With The Podcast" on your favorite platform to dive deeper into Keeley's fascinating journey and creative insights.