Meet Kelly Scott

Today we’d like to introduce you to Kelly Scott.

Kelly, we appreciate you taking the time to share your story with us today. Where does your story begin?
I started drawing before I can remember. I liked a plain #2 pencil the best and I drew on any kind of paper we had.

I was very inventive as a little kid. I remember wanting a pair of sandals and being told no (it was probably winter) so I made some out of cardboard. I also made my own costumes and a nurse’s hat and other toys because we only got toys at Christmas (and only a few). It never occurred to me I was poor or anything like that because there were always supplies around to make things with, and I occupied myself doing just that.

I also learned to knit, crochet, and sew (by hand) way before kindergarten. Everyone in my family knew how to do those things and sewing on buttons, sorting thread, and organizing supplies were just part of childhood.

I took art classes in junior high and high school but talked myself out of pursuing art as a profession because it didn’t seem practical. I mostly put art away for a few decades, but I always did creative things, like painting rooms, sewing window treatments, and home redecorating.

I got a degree in Interior Merchandising from JCCC but realized halfway through that I didn’t really want to be an interior decorator/designer because there was a lot of project management and less actual design involved. I really liked illustrating my plans and drafting much more than project management, but I completed my coursework anyway because I absolutely loved being in school and I loved learning.

After working in a variety of non-art-related jobs and raising my family, I recently found myself in a unique situation that has allowed me to pursue art again, and every day I wake up excited to see what is going to happen.

Alright, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall, and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
My biggest challenge has been a perceived lack of opportunity. I didn’t want to be a corporate artist and didn’t think it was wise to gamble my future career as a freelance artist. No one in my family discouraged me, I just came to that conclusion on my own.

However, now artists can be very independent because there are so many avenues to show and promote their work. It’s an amazing time to be creative.

Thanks for sharing that. So, maybe next you can tell us a bit more about your work?
I primarily paint line and wash compositions in watercolor and ink. I like to combine geometric forms in watercolor with inked patterns. I do mandalas, too. Sometimes I do preliminary composing digitally, but more often than not I hand draw and paint traditionally.

We’re always looking for the lessons that can be learned in any situation, including tragic ones like the Covid-19 crisis. Are there any lessons you’ve learned that you can share?
Time is precious and circumstances can change in an instant. Don’t miss any opportunity to show your friends and family how much they mean to you.

Contact Info:

• Email: kellysartthrob@gmail.com
• Website: kellysartthrob.com
• Instagram: @kellysartthrob
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/kellysartthrob/
• Youtube: https://youtube.com/channel/UCdWZOAsoz-Qp-cwx071EoLg