We recently connected with Kellyann Burns and have shared our conversation below.
Kellyann, appreciate you joining us today. Have you been able to earn a full-time living from your creative work? If so, can you walk us through your journey and how you made it happen? Was it like that from day one? If not, what were some of the major steps and milestones and do you think you could have sped up the process somehow knowing what you know now?
I have been living and working as a full-time artist for over twenty years now, and I can attest that while I’ve been fortunate to sustain myself solely through my artwork, it hasn’t been without sacrifices, especially in the early years of this journey. For me, prioritizing my creative output meant dedicating myself fully to my art, often at the expense of the stability and comforts that come with conventional employment. This choice demanded financial discipline and resourcefulness, navigating fluctuating income streams and learning to budget meticulously to make ends meet.
In those early years I chose to forgo the predictability of a steady paycheck and the security of benefits like health insurance. Instead, I embraced a lifestyle that revolved around my creative process. As a young artist, I lived in NYC, working in restaurants for many years to support my work. I sought out fellow artists and found a community in which to share ideas and support the artistic practice with others. Tirelessly, I promoted my art individually and collaboratively and began sharing my work through studio tours, in small underground art venues. These opportunities introduced me to curators, and art professional’s, art galleries and institutions.
Kellyann, before we move on to more of these sorts of questions, can you take some time to bring our readers up to speed on you and what you do?
I am an abstract visual artist, living and working in Los Angeles, CA. I began my creative journey very early in my youth, finding solace and joy in expressing myself through the act of making art. My pursuit of an artistic life was never a second thought.
My practice is rooted in passion and dedication. It’s about embracing challenges and uncertainties while staying true to my artistic vision. Each opportunity to showcase my work and connect with collectors reaffirms my commitment to this path, motivating me to push the boundaries of my creativity further.
I make Paintings, Sculptures and Collages. The work is created intuitively and embraces geometric formalism. My visual vocabulary is drawn from the observation of the world around me – I see forms, colors and shapes in the natural and built world and I translate what I observe into my own unique visual voice. I strive to evoke a sense of playfulness, curiosity, and introspection in those who view my art.
My work is held in many public and private collections and I have been exhibiting nationally since the mid-1990s as well as in London and Seoul. I live and works in Los Angeles, CA. On view now is my current exhibition “Combining Conversations” North Dakota Museum of Art, May 23 – August, 25, 2024.
Is there something you think non-creatives will struggle to understand about your journey as a creative?
Certainly! The main thing non–creatives might struggle to understand about the creative journey is the deep emotional investment and vulnerability that comes with creating something from scratch.
Creatives are driven by a deep-seated passion and sense of purpose. Their work is not just a job but an extension of themselves. Every creative person deals with an inner critic that can be relentless. It’s not just about producing something; it’s about navigating self-doubt and perfectionism. I don’t think this is so easy for a non-creative person to grasp because there are no clear-cut solutions for the creative mind set.
Embracing ambiguity is essential for the creative process, trial and error are necessary for creative growth and this is something that non-creatives might struggle to rationalize. Non creatives might see failure as discouraging but for the creatives, it’s a stepping stone to improvement and innovation. It is not just about the end product but the journey of exploration that defines the creative experience.
What do you think is the goal or mission that drives your creative journey?
My creative journey has always been fueled by a profound curiosity, driving me to explore new forms of expression continually. As an artist, my goal is to evolve constantly and discover fresh avenues of creativity. I intend for my work to foster a genuine collaboration between itself and the viewer. Each piece is crafted with the aim of inspiring viewers to observe their personal surroundings through the lens of exploration and self-expression.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.kellyannburns.com
- Instagram: @kellyannburnscollections
