We caught up with the brilliant and insightful Kellyann Burns a few weeks ago and have shared our conversation below.
Alright, so we’re so thrilled to have Kellyann with us today – welcome and maybe we can jump right into it with a question about one of your qualities that we most admire. How did you develop your work ethic? Where do you think you get it from?
Thank you for the warm welcome! I’m excited to be here.
Ultimately, I believe my work ethic is a combination of upbringing, mentorship, and personal experiences. It’s something I continuously strive to nurture and improve upon, as I believe that dedication and perseverance are essential qualities for success in any endeavor.
Thanks, so before we move on maybe you can share a bit more about yourself?
Certainly! I’d be delighted to share more about myself. I am an abstract visual artist, living and working in Los Angeles, CA. My journey into the world of art has been one filled with passion, creativity, and a relentless pursuit of excellence.
From a young age, I found solace and joy in expressing myself through art. I was drawn to the freedom and boundlessness of abstract art, where I could unleash my imagination and explore the depths of my emotions without constraint. Over the years, I’ve honed my craft through experimentation. Learning from other artists, and pushing the boundaries of traditional artistic norms.
I make Paintings, Sculptures and Collages. The work is created intuitively and embraces geometric formalism. My visual vocabulary is drawn from the observation of the world around me – I see forms, colors and shapes in the natural and built world and I translate what I observe into my own unique visual voice. I strive to evoke a sense of playfulness, curiosity, and introspection in those who view my art, inviting them to connect with each piece of art intimately for a personal perceptual experience.
I have been exhibiting my work nationally since the mid-1990s as well as in London and Seoul. My next solo exhibition is at the North Dakota Museum of Art May-August 2024.
If you had to pick three qualities that are most important to develop, which three would you say matter most?
- Creativity is the lifeblood of art. It’s the ability to think outside the box, explore new ideas, and push the boundaries of what’s possible. Cultivating creativity allows artists to express themselves authentically, develop their unique style, and create artwork that resonates with others on a deep emotional level.
- Perseverance: The journey of an artist is often filled with setbacks, challenges, and moments of self-doubt. Perseverance is the tenacity to keep pushing forward despite obstacles, rejection, or criticism. It’s the willingness to embrace failure as an opportunity for growth, to learn from mistakes, and to continue honing one’s craft no matter what.
- Self -discipline: Creating art requires dedication, focus, and discipline. Self-discipline is the ability to set goals, manage time effectively, and stay committed to the creative process, even when inspiration is lacking or motivation wanes. It’s about cultivating healthy habits, like regular practice, experimentation, and continuous learning, to refine one’s skills and produce high-quality artwork consistently.
One of our goals is to help like-minded folks with similar goals connect and so before we go we want to ask if you are looking to partner or collab with others – and if so, what would make the ideal collaborator or partner?
As an artist, I’m always open to collaborating with musicians and dancers to create multidisciplinary and immersive artistic experiences. Collaborations across different art forms can lead to dynamic and innovative projects that push boundaries and engage audiences in new ways.
Contact Info:
- Website: www.kellyannburns.com
- Instagram: @kellyannburnscollections

