Kellene Turner
"Kellene Turner is a fine artist, muralist, illustrator and ball of energy that is at her best when surrounded with other enthusiastic creatives. She understands the importance of aesthetics and how art can transform a space and place. Creating is truly a raw and a personal experience and the ability to share this process with others brings her great joy."
Yep, I just spoke about myself in the third person... and it is kind of weird. Straight from my artist statement, but this is all the truth. I love art, every single ounce of it.
Art Speaks
I chose to harness this craft and gift because of the positive influence it can have. Art speaks where words cannot. It creates a flood of emotions and familiarity.
Knowing this in my youth and seeking outletsto use my art for the good of others really drove my practice. You would never see me without a sketchbook or doodle nearby and I gravitated to anything creative, and still do. There is this delightful spark of joy when a viewer connects with artwork at any age. It could be seen that you are giving merely an image, or idea but in fact you are giving much more. It is a raw and pure process and one that is hard to place value on.
To truly answer the question of why did I become an artist? The passion, joy, the therapy, connecting with people, studying life, deeper authentic conversations, the education and application of problem solving in every environment. I am addicted to it. The process and breaking down the steps with attention to details and learning new techniques, I cannot get enough of it.
My Inspiration
I am a sucker for textures, artifacts, antiques, pieces of nature (that I call treasures) all the time. It isn't rare to find unique pieces in my studio or adorning the walls of my home to draw inspiratin from. Deeply saturated or muted colors from nature are usually what fill my palette.
An artist should consistently revisit masters' works and their techniques. Remember the never stop learning comment? Some of my favorite masters to study are Degas, DeVinci, Mucha, and Klimt which would explain my first paragraph obsessions.
My inner child definitely contributs to my inspiration! Allowing myself to playfully alter the reality around me creatively breaks my personal traditional boundaries in art. I have little characters and treasures all over my studio that spark happiness. I find laughter, delight and positivity in the littlest of things. I can view a piece of work (my own or by another artist) and I just find a unique spot that captures some form of chaotic movement, perfect calmness, or happiness I am drawn to.
The Creative Process
- Ooooooooooo texture, clouds, light source
- Sketch ideas.
-Should an idea be worthy of further pursuit?
- Collect and research supporting images and masters works.
- Abandonment of a piece. It's sad but true. I think there are over two dozen pieces of works in a flowing rotation that rarely see the light of day. But they will have their time.
- Fight imposter syndrome... uh yeah this is a legit real thing with most if not every artist I know.
- Revisit a piece with the fire of a thousand suns and passion to match it. It's an art groove. The good, the bad, and the ugly.
- Alter my former blunders.
- Color or act like I know what I'm doing.
- Potentially end with a work of art. Or a great canvas to start all over on.
- Get out and practice, practice, practice more.
Favorite Things
I love to create interpretations of clouds, natural forms, ornamentatin, textures, and altering reality. Mixed medium works that combine multiple subject matter and layers tends to be what I gravitate towards. I most enjoy creating pieces of art that push the limits and take people to another place in their head. Works that I most enjoy reflect elements of nature and texture.
The Best Advice
I have received endless great advice throughout my lifetime. My favorites resonate with me daily and I often share them with others:
"Push yourself, because no one else is going to do it for you."
"What are you doing with your life's work?"
Advice for Aspiring Artists
- Art is not instant and should not be seen as such.
- The value you place on yur work can be seen in the work itself.
- Your output is as important as your input.
- Practice, make good art, make bad art, just make art. And practice some more.
- Never stop learning, take an online class, go to a seminar, read, listen to podcasts, meet with others, ask questions.
- Surround yourself with other creatives. Connecting locally with othe creatives really drives my process and more importantly lets me inspire and be inspired. It has drastically shaped a deeper thinking and mode of creating. I only recently found the importance of this in the last five years, but the constant flow of art talk/technique/criticism/and growth is unmatched. You have to have that community to grow in your work.
Follow Kellene:
Visit www.kelleneturnerart.com
Instagram: kellene.turner.art
Facebook: kellene.turner.art