We had the good fortune of connecting with Mikey Kettinger and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Mikey, what’s the most important lesson your business/career has taught you?
Sincerity and thoughtfulness lead to the most potent business relationships.

Alright, so let’s move onto what keeps you busy professionally?
My art is about introspection and provocative thought. At its best, it creates an experience of inspirational social connection.
I arrived at this moment of my creative existence after decades of obsession with development of artistic techniques and concepts, as well as a willingness to repeatedly risk stability to explore and evolve my artistic vision and career.
Believe that my art’s messages are sincere, and that my art is a pure extension of my heart.

If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
Unique priorities of experiencing Encinitas include exposure to the Pacific Ocean, daydreaming within the coastal landscape’s flora and fauna, and creating something in the garden of my studio.

Shoutout is all about shouting out others who you feel deserve additional recognition and exposure. Who would you like to shoutout?
My graduate school advisor’s belief in me is one of the most directly influential relationships that has led me to my current position, with my feet on the floor and my head in the clouds. His name is Mark Lee Koven. His philosophies on art and pedagogy inspired me immensely. I often quote him, “Fair is a place where you go to eat cotton candy.”

Website: https://MikeyKettinger.com

Instagram: @MikeyImaginary and @MikeyKettingerArtStudio

Image Credits
Headshot by Moses Slovatizki
Photo in front of painting by Flo Li

Nominate Someone: ShoutoutSoCal is built on recommendations and shoutouts from the community; it’s how we uncover hidden gems, so if you or someone you know deserves recognition please let us know here.