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

Kelsey, thanks for joining us, excited to have you contributing your stories and insights. Are you 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?

Living in Italy after completing my undergraduate studies, I embarked on a journey that would prove to be transformative for my creative career. Initially studying Printmaking, I found myself facing financial challenges. In response, I began creating my own hand-printed textiles and clothing. To my delight, this endeavor blossomed into a full-time occupation, allowing me to not only sustain a livelihood but also thrive in Italy for a remarkable three years. This experience marked a pivotal milestone as I realized the dream of generating income from my passion, and it instilled within me a profound belief in the possibilities of pursuing a creative path

Kelsey, 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?

My artistic journey has always revolved around the exploration of the human body: its inherent intelligence and its remarkable ability to process information when we truly embrace its presence. Every day, we absorb and synthesize an immense amount of stimuli, and the experiences we hold within ourselves can profoundly nourish or strain our nervous systems. To delve deeper into this realm, I embark on extensive walks, which serve as my “research” and allow me to not only inhabit my body fully but also acquire experiential knowledge of my visual environment. The space in which I move, see, and feel becomes a constant reference point that influences my approach to painting.
My art serves as both a celebration and a call to action, urging viewers to notice and appreciate the beauty and complexity of the world that surrounds us. The interplay between light and shadow captivates me, and I utilize this dynamic to create abstract works that are rooted in a process-based approach, capturing the essence of the subconscious. Within my work, I constantly seek to uncover beauty in unexpected places, whether it be within the aftermath of a storm or the remnants of human activity. I wholeheartedly embrace the unpredictable and the accidental, allowing my chosen materials to guide me just as much as I guide them. Through this symbiotic relationship, my paintings come to life, reflecting the ever-changing nature of the world we inhabit.

What’s the most rewarding aspect of being a creative in your experience?

The most rewarding aspect of being an artist is the opportunity for self-expression and the ability to share one’s unique perspective with the world. Moreover, the impact that art can have on people’s lives is immensely gratifying. Whether it’s evoking emotions, sparking inspiration, or provoking thought, art has the power to touch and transform individuals on a profound level. Witnessing the connections and responses that art elicits in others can be deeply rewarding, validating and reinforcing purpose. The ability to connect, communicate, and make a meaningful impact through artistic expression is the most fulfilling and rewarding aspect of being an artist.

We’d love to hear your thoughts on NFTs. (Note: this is for education/entertainment purposes only, readers should not construe this as advice)

I am not a fan. It is very challenging with the amount of spam messages and Dm’s I get about NFT. It is a time sucker and care about the physicality of art.

Contact Info:

• Website: www.kelseyoverstreet.com
• Instagram: www.instagram.com/kelsey_overstreet
• Other: www.giustajewelry.com www.instagram.com/giustajewels

Image Credits
Sarah Shreves (portrait image)