We recently connected with Kelli Scott Kelley and have shared our conversation below.
Kelli Scott , we’re thrilled to have you on our platform and we think there is so much folks can learn from you and your story. Something that matters deeply to us is living a life and leading a career filled with purpose and so let’s start by chatting about how you found your purpose.
My Mother is an inspiration. She is an artist, musician and writer, who made a living as an elementary school teacher and principal. Mom played the organ at her church for 45 years, and at 85 she still regularly plays her harp and piano, often for events in her retirement community. She still stays up late into the night, excited about the story she is writing to share in her writing group. When I was young, my Mom stayed at home with my two sisters and I, while my Dad, a raging alcoholic and philanderer was mostly absent. She always had an area in our house, in the corner of a room, for her easel and oil paints. I was mesmerized by her talent, and loved watching her paint. I treasured the moments when she would set up a small canvas for me next to hers. I would follow her lead, attempting to make my painting look like hers. My mother was also sad and lonely, our household chaotic, a sense of foreboding in the air, my father’s unpredictable behavior creating a feeling of uncertainty and dread. The arts were a refuge for my Mom, and as I grew into a troubled teen, I increasingly found solace in art making. In drawing, painting and photography, I found an escape and something to feel proud of. Through my artworks, I felt seen and special. From as far back as I remember, I wanted to be an artist. I majored in art in high school (in my public magnet school students had to pick a major) and in college. Throughout the tumultuous college years, I dove intensely into art classes, making often dark and disturbing artworks. Art making became a means for me to work through stress, anxiety and depression. Through the grad school years, the focus and commitment to my art practice grew even stronger, as I worked in community alongside other driven and committed artists. I met my musician, composer husband at my Master of Fine Arts thesis exhibit reception. We immediately began sharing our work and collaborating on projects. We moved from Massachusetts to the California Bay Area and then to Houston, making work together and on our own, alongside other visual artists, composers, writers, and choreographers. Ten years after becoming life partners we had a child who in 2019 graduated from art school, making multi-media immersive installations, creating both the visuals and sounds. Art making has been the heartbeat and background hum to our family. Making art my true purpose.
Thanks, so before we move on maybe you can share a bit more about yourself?
I am a visual artist and Painting & Drawing Professor at Louisiana State University. In my artwork, dreamlike tales are woven, featuring subconscious worlds populated by hybrid beings. Figures, animals, and objects appear in metaphorical narratives which explore humankind’s connections, disconnections and impact upon the natural world. I am drawn to folklore and myth, and mine these sources for ideas. My process involves spending time in nature, reading and research, gathering images, staging and taking photos of models, and making sketches. I employ painting and drawing mediums, along with repurposed emblematic materials. For more than a decade, I have been painting and collaging on antique domestic linens and other re-purposed fabrics. The surfaces reference the history of women’s handicrafts, and allow for a more ecological art making practice. These found fabrics, often hand embroidered by the original owner and aged with use, hold stories and histories, which offer inspiration and visual bread crumbs. My pieces are inspired by the personal, psychological and the sociopolitical. I am moved by the exquisite beauty in the world, as well as the absurdity and ugliness. Ideas for these artworks comes from my personal observations and contemplations, but my hope is that the work will be experienced in a poetic way, and that viewers will have an intuitive response based on their own experiences and ways of seeing.
My artwork is represented in New Orleans by Spillman Blackwell Fine Art and in Houston by Andrew Durham Gallery. Additionally, I have been a longstanding artist member at the Baton Rouge Gallery Center for Contemporary Art. I am also part of a three-woman art collective, Luminous Lookout, which formed in 2019. Using representational imagery, our work visualizes narratives to inspire social dialogue and critique. We’ve had exhibits in Texas, South Carolina, Arkansas and Louisiana.
As a Higher Ed teacher for 30 years, a Professor for 23, I have found great fulfillment in mentoring young artists, who seem increasingly more troubled, struggling to find meaning in these challenging times. Teaching allows me the opportunity to inspire and share my understanding with others. At the center of it all is my art practice, which has given my life purpose and opportunities for deep connection. I consider my studio to be a sacred space. For me, art making is a spiritual pursuit and a calling.
Looking back, what do you think were the three qualities, skills, or areas of knowledge that were most impactful in your journey? What advice do you have for folks who are early in their journey in terms of how they can best develop or improve on these?
I followed my passion, even though being an artist is misunderstood by most, especially in southern Louisiana where I grew up. Artistic measures of accomplishment don’t usually fit our capitalist society’s mold for defining success and worth. I have always been driven to make work that is truthful for me, even when it is considered strange and hard to understand. I’ve never been willing to compromise my vision and ideas in order to make my artworks more sellable. Early on, I learned that I would probably need to work a job to support my art practice. Teaching has provided a meaningful way for me to make a living. Years ago, my therapist gave me sage advice that has stayed with me, “Remember that teaching is your job, art making is your true work”. While being a university professor has its rewards, creating art and identifying as an artist are essential for my well-being and sense of purpose. My life as an artist not only informs but also energizes my teaching.
I’ve always been willing to take chances, even if that has meant failing or getting into trouble. I also have an insatiable curiosity, an interest in learning new things about myself, others, and the world. I was recently awarded a prestigious research grant to travel to Japan for inspiration. I had never been to an Asian country, and I was terrified to be there alone. I didn’t let the fear stop me from fulfilling this dream. I spent five weeks in Japan immersed in the culture and art. The experience was empowering. I returned invigorated, with a new understanding of humans and society, and with insights for creating new artworks.
Once I make a commitment to something I see it through. For 24 years I have been part of a women’s group, here in Baton Rouge, “Sacred Circle”. This diverse group started with 25 women, but after the first few years, settled into a solid group of 10. We gather bi-monthly for deep discussion and kinship. Each meeting is led by one of us, with topics ranging from spiritual matters to race issues, creativity to self-care. I have continued to be part of our amazing “Sacred Circle”, through the most hectic and challenging times, and it has proved to be immensely fulfilling. Being part of this group of incredible women has been a lifeline, which has helped me to become a more grounded and open-minded person.
My advice, is that you find the courage to go against the grain, in order to live a life that has meaning for you. Find others to connect with that share your interests and values. Believe in yourself and stay true to your vision, no matter what anyone else thinks. Be patient and don’t give up. At 62 years old, I have come to understand that the things that are most valuable take time to cultivate and grow.
Before we go, any advice you can share with people who are feeling overwhelmed?
When I am feeling overwhelmed, I shift the focus from my mind to sensory perceptions. I look around and listen. When feeling stressed, I encourage you to stop and become aware of your surroundings. Take a deep and slow diaphragmatic breath. Allow it to fill your entire body. Let the out breath be even slower than the inhale, and be aware of how this feels in the body. You can do this anywhere, any time. This practice will immediately take you out of your “chattering monkey mind”, into your body and the present moment. Slowing and deepening your breath lowers the heart rate, and blood pressure, and will increase energy and motivation. I also believe that finding time for solitude is important for self-reflection and grounding. Find time to be still and quiet. Take a break from your devices, go outside, and see the beauty that is everywhere.
Contact Info:
- Website: http://kelliscottkelley.com/
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/kelli.kelley/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/kelli.s.kelley.7/
- Other: https://www.luminouslookout.com/
Image Credits
Personal Photo – Bill Kelley Additional Photo 1 (In the Studio) – Bill Kelley All other photos – Kevin Duffy
