We’re excited to introduce you to the always interesting and insightful Keely Finucane. We hope you’ll enjoy our conversation with Keely below.
Keely, thanks for joining us, excited to have you contributing your stories and insights. What did your parents do right and how has that impacted you in your life and career?
My parents did so many things right which had an impact on my career and how I carry myself throughout life.
My two sisters and I were raised to be strong, independent women. From when we were young, we were taught how to treat people and all living things with kindness. I grew up surrounded by love. We were taught to stand up for what we believe in and embrace cultural differences. We were encouraged to follow our dreams, no matter how wild and farfetched they seemed to be.
My dad taught me the value of a good handshake and my mom showed me the importance of a quality hug. Those examples remind me how lucky I am to have such great, loving role models. I find myself teaching my students some of the life skills my parents taught me.
My parents nurtured our appetite for adventure and still encourage us to this day to live life to the fullest.
As always, we appreciate you sharing your insights and we’ve got a few more questions for you, but before we get to all of that can you take a minute to introduce yourself and give our readers some of your back background and context?
My name is Keely Finucane and I am an artist and an educator living in the valley. I grew up in the small town of New London, PA , about an hour south of Philadelphia in the Delaware/Maryland border. I lived with my parents, two older sisters, and a house full of animals.
I didn’t have a passion for art until I was 15 years old. I had a substitute teacher who would stay after school with me and teach me various art techniques. Ms. Jones is the reason I fell in love with painting. For my first oil painting project, our assignment was to create a surreal painting. I created an angel in hell, thus provoking years of juxtaposed symbols within my artwork.
I went to Tyler School of Art, Temple University in Philadelphia. After my first year, I double majored in painting and glass. I embraced symbolism, nostalgia and a sense of the unfamiliar. I was heavily influenced by the Grimm Fairy Tales, my dreams, and fell more and more in love with Surrealism.
During my last year of college, I made the hard decision to drop glass blowing and earn a teaching certificate, which is how I ended up in Arizona. Shortly after college, I moved to Phoenix for an art teaching position and have been here ever since.
When I moved to the valley, I was determined to still paint. I wasn’t restricted to the surreal style I had for the past ten years. I felt excited to try everything, and was eager to develop better techniques and create a more sophisticated body of work.
My largest body of work to date is my cocktail series. I have always been fascinated by glass, but now instead of blowing glass, I am painting it. I am captivated by the transparent quality of the surface as well as the reflections. It was also a series where I got to explore the relationship between people and alcohol. I love how glass has woven itself to still be part of my life.
I am one of those painters who do not stick with a certain style or subject matter, I embrace my variety of styles and paint whatever inspires me at a specific moment in time. I am an artist who paints still lives, large scale portraits, landscapes, and animals. I specialize in oil painting but also work with acrylics. My work can be viewed and purchased online, and as well as in person.
I create because it gives me joy and keeps me sane. There is nothing better when someone sees your work, and instantly has a smile on their face. I feel honored when someone chooses my artwork or has me create something special to enhance their space. I want to spread joy and inspiration and share my work as much as possible.
I am currently still teaching middle school students and adults and actively painting. I am also part of the fine art festival circuit and will be exhibiting around the valley and surrounding cities.
Mark your calendars for my upcoming exhibitions!
Black & White
Found:RE Hotel
1100 N Central Ave.
Phoenix, AZ
August 4-October 29, 2023
Sedona Art & Wine Festival
995 Upper red rock loop road in West Sedona, AZ
October 7-8, 2023
Kierland Fine art & Wine Festival
Kierland Commons,
15205 n Kierland Blvd
Scottsdale, AZ
October 28-29, 2023
Fall Carefree Fine Art & Wine Festival
101 Easy Street, Carefree, AZ
November 3-5, 2023
Fall Fountain Festival of Fine Arts & Crafts
Fountain Hills Chamber of Commerce
16837 E Palisades Blvd, Fountain Hills, AZ
November 10-12, 2023
Merriment in Melrose
Phoenix, AZ
December 9, 2023
Carefree Winter Fine Art & Wine Festival
101 Easy Street, Carefree, AZ
January 19-21, 2024
Wigwam Festival of Fine Art
The Wigwam Resort 300 E. Wigwam Blvd. Litchfield Park, AZ
February 16-18, 2024
Litchfield Park Art & Wine Festival
Litchfield Park Library
101 W Wigwam Blvd, Litchfield Park, AZ
March 2-3, 2024
For you, what’s the most rewarding aspect of being a creative?
I am both an art educator and a working artist. One of the most rewarding parts of both jobs is being able to share my passion with others and having the chance of making an impact on someone’s life. I feel lucky that I get to do what I love on a daily basis.
Let’s talk about resilience next – do you have a story you can share with us?
If you embark on the creative journey as a working artist, you will ultimately face rejection. For most, you will face many rejections throughout your career.
How do I stay so resilient? I remind myself art is subjective and that I am competing against other worthy, talented artists who also deserve the chance of an acceptance letter. No matter how many rejections I get, I am determined to persevere and keep trying. The rejections make the wins even more special.
Contact Info:
- Website: http://www.keelyfinucane.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/keelyfinucane/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/KeelyFinucaneArt/
- Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/keely-finucane-45344713b/
- Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC841S0v9DZ2kPOKGRJAc6jw
Image Credits
Marissa Neel