Alright – so today we’ve got the honor of introducing you to Kelly Mengarelli. We think you’ll enjoy our conversation, we’ve shared it below.

Kelly, thanks for taking the time to share your stories with us today What’s been the most meaningful project you’ve worked on?

The most meaningful projects I’ve worked on is something I like to call “Angel Art”. This style was inspired by my own personal loss of my 21 year old sister in law. Brooklyn was a sister and friend to me, she struggled with epilepsy, and in barreling the grief of her loss I did the only thing I could think of for comfort… draw. The sting of loss and grief of losing a loved one is constant and deep. Angel Art is designed to bring you and your family comfort. By encapsulating your loved one’s true essence in an illustration with you, you will be reminded that though they are not with you, they will always be a part of you. I illustrate your loved one with angel wings, together with family, in the presence of Jesus, or with a simple halo.

Great, appreciate you sharing that with us. Before we ask you to share more of your insights, can you take a moment to introduce yourself and how you got to where you are today to our readers

As a self taught artist with no formal training, Kelly has the natural ability to make imagination come to life in the most whimsical way. She loves to add hidden details into every page so that story time becomes a more magical and interactive experience. Kelly’s inspiration comes from color, beauty, fashion, and design. Her nickname, “The Artsy Blonde”, most well suits her for her creative and fun personality.

We’d love to hear a story of resilience from your journey.

The main angel in this heaven tale is based upon an angel who once walked this earth. In April of 2020, Kelly’s 21 year old sister-in-law, Brooklyn, passed away unexpectedly from epilepsy.

Brooklyn was kind and compassionate. People were drawn to Brooklyn, she was a beautiful girl with a heart-warming smile and she would light up any room when she walked in, but she was also beautiful on the inside — she had a heart for loving people and a joy that was so contagious! Brooklyn loved Jesus with all her heart, soul, and mind. She was wise beyond her years and made God a priority in her life. Her love for her Savior was sweet and beautiful. As young and full of life as Brooklyn was, she suffered with epilepsy her entire life which was exhibited by absence seizures. Despite her struggles with epilepsy, she was positive, an overcomer, and always spread joy to others. Her family and friends prayed for healing, and though she might not have been healed on earth, on Good Friday, God healed her perfectly and completely by His side in heaven.
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Brooklyn loved to watch Kelly draw, and she was not shy in giving her input and suggestions on colors, ideas, and details. She watched as Kelly sketched and designed Grace and her mom into a reality so naturally. Creating the angels, however, did not come as effortlessly. When Brooklyn went to heaven that April, Kelly gained a whole new perspective of imagining heaven. Brooklyn became her personal inspiration to depict a glimpse of the joy of heaven and the hope we have in Jesus.

What do you find most rewarding about being a creative?

The most rewarding aspect of being an artist is the ability to bring imagination to life. I refer to this ability almost as a “superpower”. While illustrating a book it is magical to visualize the story in my head and put it on paper. I love incorporating color, whimsy, color, and detail in every page.

Contact Info:

• Website: The artsy blonde.com
• Instagram: @theartsyblonde_
• Facebook: The Artsy Blonde by Kelly Mengarelli