About Studio Kei

Artist Bio

Kei (they/them) is a self-taught visual artist based in Petaluma, California. Their work combines the distinctly different tools of watercolor paints and ink, exploring how these two elements can work together. Kei’s given name is Ken Weaver, and you might have a copy of their first book, The Northern California Craft Beer Guide. 

Kei received their B.S. in physics from Carnegie Mellon University, an M.S. in physics from Cornell University, and an MFA in creative writing (fiction) from University of Maryland, College Park. This collection of poppies is their first release under the new Studio Kei label.

Poppies by Kei, Collection 1

This is my 2nd show at Moonlight Brewing here in Sonoma County, following up on a successful art show there last summer (when I was still signing art as Ken).

This collection of two dozen poppies (21 paintings in total) was started in late March 2025, specifically for this show. 

Every spring, our backyard in Petaluma fills with a meandering palette of orange, yellow, crimson, and purple poppies. For me, it’s such a foundational image of my chosen home here in California. I wanted to share some of that feeling of hope and potential with you.

–Kei