About Keith W. Smith
Keith W. Smith is a versatile multi-disciplinary artist whose creative practice seamlessly bridges the worlds of music, fine art, digital animation, and graphic design. From his early roots as a celebrated young artist in the Caribbean to his foundational work in early independent hip-hop and his contemporary multimedia projects, Keith’s career is defined by a lifelong dedication to visual and auditory storytelling.
Early Foundations & Artistic Mentorship
* Trinidadian Roots: Born in the island republic of Trinidad and Tobago, Keith demonstrated exceptional talent early on, winning academic and artistic prizes before the age of eleven at Siparia Boys RC.
* National Recognition: Under the guidance of influential mentor Trevor Byron at Fyzabad Anglican Secondary, his artistic development accelerated. At age fourteen, his work earned a coveted spot as a finalist in the national Berger Painting Contest and was featured in the official winners’ exhibition.
* Academic Excellence: He went on to graduate with distinction in the arts upon completing his Cambridge University (London) O-Levels.
Visual Design & Major Exhibitions
* Graphic Tech Studies: After migrating to the United States in 1987, Keith advanced his formal education at Miami Dade Community College, specializing in Graphic Design Technology.
* The “Sue” Exhibit: His expansive skill set culminated in a major international collaboration with London-based edutainment company Cayenne Events International for the A T Rex Named Sue dinosaur fossil exhibit.
* Multimedia Production: Flown back to Trinidad for the project, Keith directed the audio-visual presentations, co-created the official soundtrack with childhood friend Derwin Vallie, and designed the core graphic assets for the exhibit with premium sponsors, including Atlantic LNG and the Trinidad and Tobago Ministry of Education.
Musical Evolution: From Group to Solo
* 90s & 2000s Hip-Hop: In tandem with his visual art, Keith established a distinct voice in the hip-hop landscape as a performing member of the group Doz funky Baztardz, releasing records and performing throughout the 1990s and 2000s.
* Solo Discography: He later transitioned into a solo music career, channeling his evolving perspectives into full-length studio albums, including the definitive release “And Then There Was…” and his latest contemporary project, “Best Life”.
Current Practice
Today, Keith operates at the intersection of traditional and digital mediums. His current portfolio unites rap music production, fine art drawing, canvas painting, animation, and graphic design into a singular, cohesive multi-disciplinary vision.