We caught up with the brilliant and insightful Kelson Thorne a few weeks ago and have shared our conversation below.

Alright, Kelson thanks for taking the time to share your stories and insights with us today. Are you happier as a creative? Do you sometimes think about what it would be like to just have a regular job? Can you talk to us about how you think through these emotions?

I think most artists would admit there are times we question if the struggle that comes with being a creative is worth it. Especially in moments of adversity, but at the end of the day a creative’s soul craves the ability to do creative things. I could not imagine myself doing anything else, art was something I feel like I am meant to do.

Awesome – so before we get into the rest of our questions, can you briefly introduce yourself to our readers.

My name is Kelson Thorne, I am an Appalachian artist from Petersburg, West Virginia. I am the owner of Art Junkie LLC. My mission is primarily about connecting rural communities through art. I started making murals for my hometown in 2019 and it has slowly grown overtime. It is now my full time job and my murals are expanding throughout the Eastern Panhandle.

As an artist, I specialize in public art and large scale murals. My artistic vision revolves around capturing the essence of the towns I create murals for, emphasizing their significance in Appalachian culture and celebrating the unique qualities that make each town special. When it comes to murals, I primarily work with aerosols and latex paint. The goal of these pieces are to aid in community development while exposing West Virginia populations to street art.

In addition to my mural work, I also find joy in creating paintings and various series for exhibitions. For these pieces, I explore various mediums such as acrylic and oils. Unlike my large-scale murals that represent the diverse population and spirit of the community, my gallery paintings serve as a personal reflection of myself. Through these artworks, I delve into introspection and explore my own interests and experiences.

What do you find most rewarding about being a creative?

I have the luxury of doing public art, so I love seeing the transformation of a public space. Working with the community is great, it provides several networking opportunities. It’s always nice meeting new people, many times people have stopped by to share their gratitude for public art projects. It reminds me why art is so important.

Is there a particular goal or mission driving your creative journey?

I love to see my hometown (Petersburg, WV) and surrounding areas continuing to grow creatively. A creative community can beautify a town and bring together people from all different backgrounds. Seeing that creative mission grow in West Virginia, especially on a local level is what really inspires me to continue. It serves a bigger purpose.

Contact Info:

• Website: kelsonthorne.com
• Instagram: @kelsonthorne
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/ArtJunkie123

Image Credits
Smithpines Media and Garrett Van Meter