By: Katina Rice-Davis, Staff Writer
Katina@thewoodrufftimes.com
For Keith Garrett, art isn’t just a hobby, it’s a constant presence, something that has followed him throughout his life and continues to shape who he is becoming.
A senior at The Governor’s School for the Arts and Humanities, Garrett is preparing to graduate in just a few weeks. Recently, he added a significant accomplishment to his growing list of achievements: being selected as a winner in the ArtFields Jr. Art Competition, a prestigious statewide showcase highlighting emerging student artists.
Held annually as part of the ArtFields Festival in Lake City, the competition features hundreds of submissions from students across South Carolina, with selected works displayed publicly before traveling to regional exhibitions throughout the state.
For Garrett, the recognition was both affirming and humbling.
“It feels great,” he said. “It’s really nice getting recognition outside of my school. I get great support from my teachers and peers, but when you live, do schoolwork, and art all in the same place 24/7, you forget about the outside world a bit. So it’s nice to know that my art can reach past my school.”
A Lifelong Passion for Art
Garrett’s journey into art doesn’t follow a typical timeline. He describes it less as a starting point and more as a constant thread woven through his life.
“I can’t remember what started me being an artist,” he explained. “It was like when you’re a kid, drawing pictures for your family or school, but most people grow out of that. For me, it never stopped, and if I’m lucky, it never will.”
Though he attended school outside his hometown, Garrett credits Woodruff with quietly shaping his artistic perspective. Surrounded by natural landscapes, he found inspiration in the wooded areas near his home, an influence that continues to surface in his work.
Governor’s School Experience Opened New Creative Doors
Garrett began his high school career at James F. Byrnes High School before being accepted into the Governor’s School for his junior and senior years, an experience he describes as transformative.
“The biggest thing the school has done for me is give me space and resources,” he said. “We have everything—from printmaking with acids and inks to painting, graphic design, and even a stop-motion studio. This year, we started a blacksmithing course with a forge, anvils, and welding. I’ve been able to try mediums I never would have explored otherwise.”
Beyond technical training, the school also provided something equally important: freedom of expression.
“I’ve been able to express myself through my clothing, wearing face paint or painted jeans, and the school has always supported that,” Garrett added. “Being around people who love what I love has been the best thing in the world.”
Artistic Style Influenced by Creativity and Exploration
Garrett’s artistic approach is rooted less in specific themes and more in exploration and technique. While he doesn’t intentionally set out to convey a singular message, recurring symbols such as squirrels, eyes, spirals, and even scientific equations often find their way into his work.
“I’m usually more focused on improving my technique,” he said. “But those elements naturally show up.”
His influences are as eclectic as his work. He draws inspiration from artists like Hieronymus Bosch and Zdzisław Beksiński, while his fashion and costume design sensibilities are shaped by Adrian Adolph Greenberg and the iconic style of David Bowie.
Recognition Through ArtFields Jr. Competition
Like many young artists, Garrett has faced both technical and emotional challenges. From mastering complex processes like printmaking and welding to managing the highs and lows of creative self-critique, the journey hasn’t always been easy.
“One minute you love the piece you’re working on, the next you hate it,” he said. “A tiny stroke can change everything. You just have to let those feelings pass.”
Despite those challenges, Garrett continues to push forward, embracing both the imperfections and breakthroughs that come with artistic growth.
While Garrett admits he was surprised by the piece selected for submission, he is proud to stand alongside his peers and represent both his school and hometown.
“Being among the work of my talented peers is the best part,” he said. “And this interview adds to the significance of representing Woodruff.”
He also emphasized the importance of opportunities like ArtFields for young artists.
“Art feeds the soul, but confidence feeds the artist,” Garrett said. “A little recognition can go a long way.”
Looking Ahead to the Future
As graduation approaches, Garrett is keeping his options open while remaining rooted in his passion. He is particularly interested in costume design, fashion, and creative work in theater and film, with aspirations that could one day take him to Broadway or into the world of fashion media.
“I’d love to design costumes for a production or work for a fashion magazine,” he said. “I’m excited to see all the ways I can create a career for myself.”
Outside the studio, Garrett’s curiosity extends into a wide range of interests, including writing, acting, and even quantum physics.
“I love learning about black holes and time,” he said. “It’s fascinating.”
His love for storytelling also shows in his writing, where he enjoys creating plays, essays, and even musicals, often pairing them with original costume designs.
If there’s one message Garrett hopes people take from his work, it’s the importance of self-expression—especially through fashion.
“I love seeing people experiment with their style and customize their clothing,” he said. “Everything is useful and nothing is trash if you’re creative enough.”
He also encourages aspiring artists to immerse themselves fully in creativity.
“Get to a point where art pursues you,” Garrett advised. “Art is always there, it becomes a companion.”
Family and Community Support
Garrett credits much of his success to the support system around him, including his parents, Kristy Garrett and Gary Paul Garrett of Woodruff, and the dedicated faculty at the Governor’s School.
“They’ve supported me through everything—art classes, theater, supplies,” he said. “And my teachers have always respected my independence while being there when I needed them.”
As he prepares to step into the next chapter of his life, one thing is clear: Keith Garrett is not just creating art, he’s living it.
