Meet Billy Kheel

We recently connected with Billy Kheel and have shared our conversation below.

Billy, thank you so much for joining us. You are such a positive person and it’s something we really admire and so we wanted to start by asking you where you think your optimism comes from?

My optimism is deeply rooted in my sense of community, particularly within my immediate neighborhood in the Silverlake area of Los Angeles. I take great pleasure in collaborating with local businesses and curators to showcase artwork inspired by our unique culture and landscape. Currently, I have an exhibition at Say Cheese, an iconic gourmet food store in Silverlake. Through the owner, Glenn, I was introduced to Pastor Kyle at the Silverlake Community Church, and together we are working on a collaborative project that includes donating a percentage of sales to support the church’s programs for our unhoused community. It’s these meaningful connections that continually elevate my sense of optimism.

Thanks for sharing that. So, before we get any further into our conversation, can you tell our readers a bit about yourself and what you’re working on?

As an artist, I find great excitement in expressing my creativity and inspiring others to do the same. I create soft sculptures, wall hangings, portraits, and installations using felt and thread, employing historical fabric techniques to explore and reflect on sports and pop culture. My choice of materials challenges the traditional boundaries between art and craft. Regardless of the theme of each series, I aim to infuse my work with a sense of humor and, hopefully, a sense of warmth.

There is so much advice out there about all the different skills and qualities folks need to develop in order to succeed in today’s highly competitive environment and often it can feel overwhelming. So, if we had to break it down to just the three that matter most, which three skills or qualities would you focus on?

Reflecting on my journey, three qualities, skills, or areas of knowledge stand out as particularly impactful:

Digital Tools for Visualization and Planning: Mastering software to visualize and plan projects has been invaluable. Embracing a digital-first approach not only streamlines collaboration but also makes the creative process more enjoyable.

Expanding Your Knowledge Online: The internet offers endless opportunities to broaden your horizons. Whether you’re inspired by mosaics or searching for unique materials like oversized plastic skulls, there’s virtually no limit to what you can learn and discover.

Sharing Your Work and Engaging with Others: Don’t hesitate to promote your work and connect with like-minded individuals through social media. It’s a powerful way to find an audience that appreciates your unique perspective while also drawing inspiration from others in the community.

For those just starting their journey, I recommend focusing on these areas to enhance your skills and broaden your creative horizons. Embrace technology, stay curious, and actively engage with the creative community around you.

Is there a particular challenge you are currently facing?

I recently made a commitment to myself: I will no longer purchase art supplies. This decision presents a significant challenge as an artist, but I’m eager to embrace it. My plan is to explore local thrift stores, visit the dump, and check out tile companies, as well as Habitat for Humanity ReStores. I’m also reaching out on social media to invite others to send me any unused materials they might have. I’m open to any additional suggestions, and if anyone has excess felt, fabric, or tiles, please don’t hesitate to reach out!

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.bkheel.com/
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/bkheel/

Image Credits

all images courtesy Billy Kheel