Bright colors, odd material, and splatter paint are just a few favorite combinations for this local artist and resident of Loft 55 Gallery. She creates a genuine feel for happiness within each of her pieces. Her technique is unique and filled with mystery, while implementing a part of a splash effect of paints and nails onto wood. This artist know to many as Kelly Joy has quite the bubbly yet tough personality that is definitely portrayed into all of her series. Below is the exclusive interview with her for her upcoming solo exhibit at Loft 55 Gallery on 55 W. Church Street, Suite 114, Orlando, FL from November 25 – December 8th, 2013. Parking is located in the 55 West garage, (paid $5-10) on parking lots located Pine St or the meter parking off of Garland and Pine Street.
Kelly Joy exclusive interview questions:
AL: What artists inspire you?
KL: Jim Dine, Jeff Koons, Jasper Johns, Andy Warhol, Robert Rauschenberg, Jen Stark, Tara Donovan, Mary Button Dureel, Richard Long, Sharon Arnold, Mitra Fabian, Ernesto Neto – The list can go on and on.
AL: When did you become an artist?
KL: I’ve always been an artist in some form or another. I grew up writing and have been a professional writer/editor for 13 years. I was a performing artist when I was a teenager and into my early twenties. Throughout the entire time, however, I have always made and created visual art for my home and gifts. Last year, with the encouragement of friends, I decided to sell my art and put my work out there. It’s been a joyful experience so far.
AL: What inspires and motivates you in your work?
KL: Textures, shapes and colors inspire me. When you combine the three the most beautiful patterns arise. I love when people tell me that they just want to touch my art. I love how it tantalizes them.
AL: Did your upbringing influence your work?
KL: I had a very loving, playful and carefree childhood and teenage years. My first job was playing a character at Disney World. I’d sit and wait for the parade to start and admire the colorful costume’s fabrics and the float’s whimsical design and intricate craftsmanship.
AL: What do you love about life, and what do you hate?
KL: love everything about life. There is so much to experience. Life is what you make of it. There is no time to hate anything.
AL: What mediums do you work in and why?
KL: As a mixed media artist, all mediums excite me including everyday objects. You can find beauty in just about everything if you just allow yourself to be open to life’s wonderment. Currently, I’m entranced with paper. I love feeling it between my fingertips. I love the wide range of colors and possibilities. I’ve only scratched the surface with it’s potential.
AL: What is your vision/philosophy?
KL: All I want to do with my art is to bring a smile to someone’s face. Sometimes there isn’t a deep meaning to my pieces, other times there is. What matters most, however, is that the person viewing the piece can escape into the present moment and immerse herself into the colors or pattern.
AL: What do you like doing when you are not painting?
KL: I love yoga, which I’ve been doing for 15 years. I recently started Krav Maga, a form of martial arts. I’m learning how to kick butt. I also love hanging out with my family on our hammock in our back yard on a cool autumn Sunday afternoon.
AL: What is your favorite color?
KL: I’ve always been drawn to cooler colors. Lately, however, I’m exploring what warmer colors have to offer.
AL : How much time is spent creating your pieces?
KL: It depends on how intricate the piece is. It can take between 1-4 weeks.
AL: What is your favorite experience as an artist?
KL: I love being able to show my art to others. I love that they can see the world through my eyes and feel what I feel. Everyone has a story to tell and my story is expressed through my art.
