We were lucky to catch up with Kelly Chelena recently and have shared our conversation below.

Alright, Kelly thanks for taking the time to share your stories and insights with us today. Can you recount a story of an unexpected problem you’ve faced along the way?

My college years began with an interest in journalism. After taking an art class as an elective, I began to gravitate toward art. I thought I had to concentrate on graphic design or illustration. When I left school, my husband and I moved to Saint Petersburg Florida. It was during this time that I embraced painting for myself in an extra room of our apartment. I was fortunate to work at Templeton Mutual Funds and had time to paint at home. There were multiple outlets for showing my work there. The Anderson-Marsh Gallery, the Arts Center and the Tampa International Airport Gallery were showing my paintings. I had a daughter, then we moved for my husband’s career. I still thought I could do it all and began painting after our move and showing again. However,;after my second child , a son, there were some issues. He was diagnosed with autism. I realized I couldn’t do it all. We have devoted our lives to taking care of him and I am his primary caregiver. He has developed bi polar disorder and seizure disorder. Luckily, I am able to paint in a studio at home and one in my town when my son is watched. I have never stopped painting completely and attribute it to helping me in too many ways to mention. So many blessings come when you do what you love.

Kelly, love having you share your insights with us. Before we ask you more questions, maybe you can take a moment to introduce yourself to our readers who might have missed our earlier conversations?

Having touched on some of this in the last question, I’ll say that I am grateful for clients who love my work and feel connected to their pieces. I have also been blessed with having wonderful galleries to carry my work. The Gallery at Flat Rock in Flat Rock, NC is such an extraordinary place to find a wide range of work from many artists. I am honored to be included there. My small studio in downtown Hendersonville, NC is by appointment only. My large abstract watercolors are sometimes bold and other times delicate. They are truly like a language unto themselves. They remind some of landscapes. They look calligraphic at times. They sometimes have an Asian aesthetic. They are expressive and free. They are inspired by nature, faith, politics, and introspection. They connect through color, line, feeling and emotion.
I am truly touched when someone recognizes my work right away without being told. A signature style is key. I am painting with acrylics as well and really enjoying them these past two years. The switch from oils to acrylics has been a challenge as far as color combinations and the response of the paint itself. Now, I am thankful I have persevered. Nice pieces coming out!
My influences are many. Cy Twombly, Gerard Riecter, Julie Mehrutu, Cecily Brown, the Abstract Expressionists, the Impressionists for color, Chinese and Japanese ancient paper works, and so many to mention.
As I always say, “Collect what you love, not what others think you should.”

What’s been the best source of new clients for you?

Art galleries are an amazing asset. They market your work and they know the general market and their clients. I would also say having a studio where you can make time for friends and interested people is a plus. Our town has a healthy tourism industry. It’s nice to make yourself available at special times such as holidays or an open studio tour. Also, just posting your work online constantly is a huge boost. So many folks pay attention.

We’d really appreciate if you could talk to us about how you figured out the manufacturing process.

All artists “manufacture “ their own work. Some artists learn in school and others are self taught. My experience through college was in a relatively small format. I didn’t sculpt giant pieces. I didn’t do large studio paintings. However, when I began painting for myself, I started to enjoy a larger format. My process with the watercolors starts simply as cutting a large piece of paper from a roll. I knew a sheet of watercolor paper wouldn’t accomplish my goal- so I invested in a roll and the rest is history. The acrylic paintings are on standard size canvases- but big too!

Contact Info:

• Website: kellygchelena.com
• Instagram: kgchelena
• Facebook: Kelly G Chelena Fine Art
• The Gallery at Flat Rock: http://galleryflatrock.com/

Image Credits
Photos by Kelly Chelena