Thomas Keyes

Thomas Keyes is an Irish artist who learnt letter art through the graffiti subculture in Belfast. He is now an insular manuscript illuminator and parchment maker based in Cromarty on the Black Isle. The focus of his research is the material production and draughting techniques used in the creation of insular manuscripts. This includes everything from processing hides and growing dye plants to medieval chemistry and the use of geometry to generate original designs as the monks would have done. He has worked with Museums and Universities throughout Britain and Ireland and as an artist creates contemporary insular manuscripts inspired by the Gaelic origin legends and Saints as well as current issues facing society such as the climate emergency and the threat of digital singularity. He was art editor and lead artist for Dark Mountain Issue 12 - SANCTUM.