Keith Butterfield

My name is Keith Butterfield I am 57 years old. I grew up in Santa Cruz California in the 1980s. My life there was surfing, competitive pro skateboarding, artwork, and a few small acting roles (The Lost Boys) and (Brotherhood of Justice). In the early 1980’s I was a teen professional skater. Training at a prominent level as a competitive professional skateboarder taught me many traits I continued to my adult life—intangibles like work ethic, focus, discipline, and how to set and achieve goals.

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    When I was eighteen, I also attended a beauty school of all things. I went there to meet girls, use my creativity, and have an income. I was a skatepunk in beauty school. I was kicked out for tardiness after a few months. However, I did return later to complete the course and graduate.

 

My parents were distant during my teenage years, so I followed my instincts. After years of only doing what I wanted to do, suddenly I was twenty-three and flat-broke. My father is a retired United States Marine and Vietnam veteran x 2.  As a kid, I was terrified of him however, he blueprinted me with a strong work ethic and all the pride in the world to become a solid man, father, and Marine. The way he looked in his uniform always left me so impressed. The way he carried himself, and the way he was able to provide for us. That stayed with me forever and motivated me to always do my very best.  My mother was a kind-hearted hippie from the 1960s who never really changed. They divorced when I was only 14 months old. Over the years I became a combination of them both, hard-working and responsible yet still sensitive and creative.

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     It was 1989 when the Loma Prieta earthquake hit Santa Cruz hard, I lost what little I did have. At 23, it was time to grow up and quit the beach bum lifestyle. I followed my father's example and decided to serve my country. My father and the Marine Corps were there for me when I had nothing. I went on to serve my country for 21 years, on active duty. Like my father, I ended up doing very well in the military. It was the structure, brotherhood, security, and sense of pride that kept me engaged. I retired as an E-8, Company First Sergeant with Combat Engineers. The management and leadership of young Marines were my primary jobs as a Company First Sergeant. Preparing young men and women to survive a combat zone was my highest honor. I have served two combat tours, Iraq, and Afghanistan as a Company First Sergeant. Each time we brought every Marine in the company home alive. I am very proud of that, especially as a parent myself. During my military career, I also raised a family. I have three beautiful young adult children that are thriving in life. I love being their father, fatherhood is something I do not take lightly.

     

Today at 57, I am still energetic, motivated, and driven. In my mid 50's I decided to go to college just to see if I could do it. I recently graduated with my Bachelor of Science in Criminal Justice Administration with a 3.82 GPA. Additionally, I attended graduate school and got my master’s in business administration (MBA) with a GPA of 3.97. 

      Why I love to draw and paint; In 2016 I started painting again after 30 years. After my military retirement in 2011, PTSD-related issues showed themselves in my daily life. I needed a creative outlet, something to do. I purchased art supplies and never looked back. I am a bit hyper-focused on everything I do, and art helps me have a focal point. I am self-taught and enjoy challenging myself with various subjects. I work with acrylic and watercolor paints on paper only. Mainly because it fits in my little studio, AKA the corner of my living room. My artwork is a combination of masculine and pretty. I do not do art shows or sit at art fairs trying to sell my work. I avoid crowded spaces and noises as much as possible.

 

    When I am not with my two Bulldogs or in the gym, I am home painting. I am happy in my little studio in Hawaii painting too punk rock music. I love to paint for people, bringing their ideas to life is an honor. I am very invested in my artwork; I want people to love what I do for them.​

     

Take it easy, life is short,

Keith