Story & Lesson Highlights with Kelly Money of New Hope

We’re looking forward to introducing you to Kelly Money. Check out our conversation below.

Kelly, it’s always a pleasure to learn from you and your journey. Let’s start with a bit of a warmup: What is a normal day like for you right now?
My days are never normal which I love! I do however try to stick to a routine as much as I can or else I can go off on tangents. I meditate first thing, exercise, and I’m in the studio until lunch. Take a break, eat and finish at around 4 or 5 depending on the day. It’s summer right now so this schedule is a little different but this is mostly what I try to adhere to.

Can you briefly introduce yourself and share what makes you or your brand unique?
I’m a visual artist based in New Hope, PA. My work currently centers around the landscape as a metaphor for our human experience. For many years my focus was clouds and skies, but I’ve started incorporating more tonalist works as well. I will often use a limited palette and I often incorporate both abstract and representational elements so there’s more of a mood than a fully realized subject.

I love to travel and gain new perspectives on the world and those experiences inform much of what I paint.

Additionally, I try to stay open and teachable in my approach so my work is always evolving and changing as I do. I see more and more a sense of discernment in what I like and want to express, how I want to express it and the constant search for my own voice. It’s been a fascinating journey being an artist. I wouldn’t trade it.

Okay, so here’s a deep one: What did you believe about yourself as a child that you no longer believe?
As a child a part of me believed if I followed a set of rules or a formula…
go to certain school, get a particular degree, live here, do this with your life, etc my life would be set. I think I was pretty ridiculous and idealistic and I’ve come to find out especially in the art world that’s a pretty limiting belief. It’s not ever that cut and dry or that simple. I’ve seen artists from all over the world that have different backgrounds find their own version of success. Even the word success means different things to different people and that’s changed for me as well. I think being true to what you love and being able to return that energy to the world is the greatest gift you can give yourself and others. Having a sense of innocence and authenticity like one has a child is a much healthier happier way of approaching life rather than feeling like you have to follow some path to define success or joy. It’s all inside you already. But I can see some of the limiting beliefs I picked up and how they kept me from believing in myself because I didn’t think I followed the “formula” correctly.

What fear has held you back the most in your life?
Self doubt. Hands down. This is a killer for any artist and I see it all the time in my interactions with others. It can be hard to go into the studio and trust what comes out of you is worth doing or saying. And, I’ve found as you learn and experiment you can come face to face with fear and frustration.
It’s part of the process and I’ve found I have to see it as an adventure or challenge rather than life or death. We artists are awfully dramatic, no?

I’ve found having a support system – friends and mentors that encourage me has been instrumental in working through this, but there are still days it’s there. I think I may have taken more risks and put my self out there more in the past had I had the confidence and trust in myself. But I also see it was part of my growth and necessary to get to where I am today so I’m excited about the next chapter and continuing to trust myself more – fearlessly!

Sure, so let’s go deeper into your values and how you think. What’s a belief or project you’re committed to, no matter how long it takes?
Finding my own truth and authenticity in the work and being able to effectively express it. With love! I think it’s a lifelong journey to becoming your true self and finding what really speaks to your soul. If you can trust that it’s inevitable you’ll find your people, but I think it starts with you, not others. In a world of distractions it’s easy for me to lose my way, and I often do, but the commitment is to myself, the work, and finding my own voice.
I’ll do that until I can’t anymore.

Before we go, we’d love to hear your thoughts on some longer-run, legacy type questions. If you knew you had 10 years left, what would you stop doing immediately?
Who says I don’t? LOL
I would stop worrying and just let go. Play, experiment, experience, learn, have fun, struggle. All the things I’m doing now but without the worry part.

Contact Info:

Image Credits
Melissa Charry, Ava Dae Photography

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