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"Art is not what you see, but what you make others see."
Edgar Degas
Kelly began using her illustrative skills in 1989 after moving to Chicago from Los Angeles. The city seemed to ignite her creativity in a way she had not experienced before. Kelly started her career as a textile artist. "I designed neckwear and scarves for corporations. I had to put out two designs a day. As a result, I learned how to work under pressure and deadlines." After taking a break to raise children, Kelly began painting on canvas. "It felt good to paint on a large scale - a real departure from the tight necktie designs I was doing." She is most strongly influenced by works of mid-20th century artists, particularly the Abstract Expressionists. She works in mixed media, primarily acrylics continuously seeking a balance between soft, hard and textures. Fearless in experimentation, Kelly combines, infuses and marries the most unlikely. Not one to adhere to strict rules, her paintings are dichotomous. "I like painting in abstract, because it is only defined by the viewer. Whatever speaks to you, whatever you see is true for you." This is kindred to the artist's nature. "Reality is personal and defined only by you. You may see the art through a particular perspective, yet ten years from now it might appear differently. I want my art to evolve." "So the piece evolves and changes as much as you do." Kelly allows her work unfold as she weaves symbols, colors, movement and some of her own poetry onto the canvas.
"I relate to music. Music is the single most inspiration for me. I play it (very loud) while I am painting. It can be anything, I just need it to move me, through me, in me, on me.....then onto the canvas. I feel art imitates music in that just as in music; lyrics can take on a whole new meaning to the listener even though they meant something else entirely to the lyricist at inception. I want you to relate to my art in the same way...find the meaning, find the inspiration."
"I desire that my work touches you mentally, emotionally, intellectually, physically, spiritually and of course.....visually."And.....if you are an artist......start creating, get to work!!
To find more of Kelly Gillum's work, go to www.kellygillum.com
