Today we’d like to introduce you to Doug Powell.
Hi Doug, thanks for joining us today. We’d love for you to start by introducing yourself.
My path to becoming an artist has been anything but conventional. After serving ten years in the U.S. Navy, including service during the Gulf War, I found myself reconnecting with the creativity that had been part of me since childhood.
From the very beginning, I knew I didn’t want to follow a traditional artistic path. If I was going to dedicate myself to creating art, it had to be something uniquely my own. That pursuit eventually led me to an unlikely medium—recycled computer keyboard keys.
What began as a creative experiment gradually evolved into a full-time career. Today I create large-scale mosaics using thousands of recycled computer keys, with many pieces incorporating hidden words and phrases that invite viewers to slow down and discover another layer within the artwork.
Looking back, I never could have predicted where that unpaved road would lead. Today my work is represented by galleries and included in museum, corporate, and private collections throughout the United States and internationally.
Would you say it’s been a smooth road, and if not what are some of the biggest challenges you’ve faced along the way?
Looking back, the biggest challenge wasn’t learning to create the artwork—it was having the conviction to leave behind careers that were already successful. More than once in my life, I walked away from stability to pursue something I believed in, even when there was no guarantee it would work.
Leaving a ten-year Navy career was one leap. Leaving the traditional workforce to become self-employed was another. The biggest leap came when I chose to close a successful practice, let go of long-time clients, and dedicate myself entirely to art.
None of those decisions came with a roadmap or a guarantee of success. Each required faith, persistence, and a willingness to accept risk. Looking back, every one of those leaps helped shape the life and career I have today.
Alright, so let’s switch gears a bit and talk business. What should we know about your work?
I create large-scale mosaic portraits using recycled computer keyboard keys, a medium I’ve spent years developing into something uniquely my own. Each piece is built from thousands of recycled keys, often incorporating hidden words and phrases related to the subject, inviting viewers to slow down and discover details they might otherwise miss.
What I’m most proud of isn’t a particular award or commission—it’s the journey itself. I built this career from the ground up. I didn’t come from money, I didn’t have influential connections, and there wasn’t a mentor showing me the way. Every gallery relationship, every collector, and every opportunity was earned through persistence, taking risks, and believing in an unconventional idea.
From the beginning, I never wanted to imitate another artist or follow an established style. My goal was to create a body of work that was unmistakably my own. Looking back, I’m proud that I stayed true to that vision. I was willing to trust my instincts, even when the path wasn’t obvious. As I often say, “When my peers start scratching their heads, I know I’m probably headed in the right direction.”
Where we are in life is often partly because of others. Who/what else deserves credit for how your story turned out?
While my career has largely been self-directed, there are a few people who helped shape the journey. My high school English teacher, Mrs. Gordon, supported my decision to challenge myself and encouraged my creative thinking. My seventh-grade teacher, Mr. Siegel, recognized my artistic interest early and gave me what was essentially my first commissioned piece for our junior high school library. My wife, Marci, who has degrees in art and elementary education, reignited my interest in art by encouraging me to explore projects that ultimately set me on this path. And Edward Meyer, Executive Director of Exhibits and Archives for Ripley’s Believe It or Not!, acquired more than two dozen of my mosaics for Ripley’s museums around the world and later encouraged me to exhibit during Art Basel Miami Art week, advice that helped open the door to gallery representation. I’m grateful for each of those influences and opportunities.
Pricing:
- Original works typically range from $9,500 to $30,000+, depending on size and complexity.
- Custom commissions are priced individually based on the scope of each project.
- Corporate, hospitality, and public commissions are available.
- All works are one-of-a-kind originals created from recycled computer keyboard keys.
- Current availability and pricing can be obtained through Doug Powell Art of one of my representing galleries.
Contact Info:
- Website: http://www.puzzleartmaster.com/
- Instagram: @DougPowellArtwork
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/doug.powell.923
