Today we’d like to introduce you to Lynn Christine Kelly

Hi Lynn Christine, so excited to have you on the platform. So before we get into questions about your work-life, maybe you can bring our readers up to speed on your story and how you got to where you are today?

I had a life before art. At least, I started my adulthood without art. I worked in the construction industry as an estimator, a contracts manager, and ultimately as a Chief Estimator running that department. It’s long hours and very stressful, and while I enjoyed the variety of projects, from residential towers to bridges and tunnels, I ultimately decided it was time to return to a childhood love and to pursue my art. I went to the Ontario College of Art and Design and got my BFA with Distinction. Then I went to the Chelsea College of Art and Design in London, the UK, and got my Masters. A year spent in London, immersing myself in their vibrant and dynamic art world, really affected how I view the world and how I approach my art. Fantastic experience that’s for sure.

We all face challenges, but looking back would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?

I think starting out new in any field is not often easy. For me it was a huge blow to my ego. I went from being well-known and respected (as well as the only woman at my level in my field) in a male dominated industry, to being just one of thousands. All of us new, all of us working hard, and all of us wanting to stand out from the crowd. And to boot I entered this wonderful art world as a “woman-of-a-certain-age”. The art world, like a lot of areas in today’s society, was looking for the next young rising star. But, I think the strength I built up in the construction industry gave me the will to keep going. A bit of life experience gave me the knowledge that as long as I kept going, with my eye on my goal, sooner or later I would get there.

Thanks for sharing that. So, maybe next you can tell us a bit more about your work?

I am a painter, a sculptor, and an installation artist. Constantly looking to share my connection with, and awe of, the natural world, my work is a philosophical narrative, maybe even spiritual. Looking at the transience of life and the state of the planet, my work talks about the cycles of life, regeneration if you will, and the deep connection between humankind and the rest of nature.

I think what mainly sets me apart from many artists is my use of rather old-fashioned materials. I work on linen, using rabbit skin glue and all oil-based products, from the primer to the finished surface. I don’t use acrylics as it seems wrong to work to speak for the environment and then use plastic to do it. So far I haven’t gone to computer generated either although I have to acknowledge an appreciation for the idea of more people, especially globally, being able to share my vision and interact with me about my interests and concerns.

I am extremely happy to have contributed to the mental wellness of many small children with my installation “the forest for the trees”. Situated in a multi-use building hallway, and right outside the montessori school. The teachers told me many of the kids would go and sat among the “trees” when they were feeling anxious or upset. I love that.

Is there a quality that you most attribute to your success?

I think perseverance and commitment are the most vital qualities for making it as an artist. To be able to visualize your work, seeing it where you want it shown and to see your finished projects in your mind’s eye is powerful. In the words of Arnold Schwarzenegger “If I can see it I can do it”.

I have wanted to be regularly shown in a commercial galley for a long time. This year seems to the year to get that started. So far this year I have been continuously included in the exhibitions at the Franz Dopf Gallery here in Calgary. They have a beautiful little space in Kensington, one of Calgary’s top destinations for shopping and dining. A great place to be seen and appreciated.

Pricing:

• Make sure your price points are in line with others. You don’t want to be too low or too high.
• You can start to go higher when you’re being regularly collected
• You can’t reduce your prices without upsetting previous buyers
• Prints can be a good way to allow a fan to obtain a bit of your work. Or going to somethin like nft’s can also get your work out there and get your name known by more people.
• Visualize the amount you’d like to sell for and keep moving forward.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://lynnchristinekelly.com
• Instagram: lynnchristinekelly
• Facebook: Lynn Christine Kelly Art