Today we’d like to introduce you to Kelli Hearn.
Hi Kelli, thanks for joining us today. We’d love for you to start by introducing yourself.
I’ve always been a relatively creative person but oddly enough, I’d considered myself a writer rather than artist.
After moving back to Kansas City in 2019 and going through the emotional roller-coaster that was Covid-19 and protests in 2020, writing didn’t seem to be enough.
I purchased a refurbished iPad and Procreate and my world opened up. I started doing portraits of friends then a series of Black women with colorful hair. I started pen & honey to protect my art first, but it’s expanded to an extension of me and my intention to add more color to life.
Over the past six years, with the encouragement of friends, family, and colleagues, I’ve shown work at three different galleries in the KC metro, shipped art all over the country, and have done commissions for a few local nonprofits.
It’s been an incredible journey so far and I’ve learned so much about art, myself, and the calling to create in a world that is sometimes determined to destroy.
Would you say it’s been a smooth road, and if not what are some of the biggest challenges you’ve faced along the way?
It hasn’t always been a smooth road, no. Most artists will tell you that the process from what we see in our minds to what comes through at the end isn’t a straight line (pun intended).
Sometimes it’s a skills issue. Sometimes it’s lack of inspiration. Sometimes it’s just time. But eventually we make our way back to creating.
For me, it’s often accepting that the piece I want to work on isn’t going to perfect right out the gate. It’s a hard lesson to learn but one I haven’t been able to skip. I’ve heard “don’t let perfect get in the way of good”. That’s the truth!
Can you tell our readers more about what you do and what you think sets you apart from others?
My art is my world and my joy. But I am also a details nerd which is utilized in my job as a PMP®️-certified project manager for a community development nonprofit.
Taking “the work” and breaking it down into impact metrics, projects, and charts to illustrate community stories is my jam. I’m known for bringing in holistic perspectives in a professional world that sometimes gets bogged down by jargon and status quo.
I’m most proud of being able to stay human and encourage others to do the same. There’s no way to “turn off” work when you’re in community development, so we’ve got to look out for each other.
I don’t typically look to set myself apart from others. I’d rather collaborate and move forward together.
What has been the most important lesson you’ve learned along your journey?
It is very easy for artists to compare themselves and their work with others. Most often we’re seeing highlight reels, or the culmination of art school, years of sketch books, or even creative editing.
I appreciate the work it takes to get to wherever an artist wants to end up – teaching, owning a gallery, creating as a hobby, etc.
But the most important lesson is that no one is me. Though a style can be replicated, I can’t be. Authenticity can’t be faked.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.penandhoney.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/penandhoney?igsh=ZW11Zng3cGs5bzVs
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/share/1912N3khfU/
