We caught up with the brilliant and insightful Kelsey Overstreet a few weeks ago and have shared our conversation below.
Kelsey, thanks so much for taking the time to share your insights and lessons with us today. We’re particularly interested in hearing about how you became such a resilient person. Where do you get your resilience from?
Living in Italy after completing my undergraduate studies, I embarked on a journey that would prove to be transformative for my creative career. Initially studying Printmaking, I found myself facing financial challenges. In response, I began creating my own hand-printed textiles and clothing. To my delight, this endeavor blossomed into a full-time occupation, allowing me to not only sustain a livelihood but also thrive in Italy for a remarkable three years. This experience marked a pivotal milestone as I realized the dream of generating income from my passion, and it instilled within me a profound belief in the possibilities of pursuing a creative path.
Appreciate the insights and wisdom. Before we dig deeper and ask you about the skills that matter and more, maybe you can tell our readers about yourself?
I am an abstract painter, printmaker and jewelry designer.
My hope is that through my process-based abstract paintings, influenced by depth psychology and the exploration of the subconscious, I can create art that goes beyond aesthetics. I aspire to stimulate meaningful dialogue, foster personal growth, and make a positive impact on the cultural fabric of my community. By inviting viewers to engage with my art, I aim to evoke a sense of presence and deeper connection, encouraging contemplation and self-reflection. Through this process, I aspire to contribute to a more enriched and engaged cultural environment, where art serves as a catalyst for personal transformation and collective understanding.
You can find me active on instagram
@giustajewels
@kelsey_overstreet
www.kelseyoverstreet.com
www.giustajewelry.com
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?
The interplay of drive, resilience, and a willingness to take risks has profoundly shaped my artistic journey. A relentless drive has been the engine propelling me forward, pushing me to explore new ideas, techniques, and artistic territories. In the face of challenges and setbacks, resilience has been my steadfast companion, helping me navigate the inevitable highs and lows of a creative pursuit. It’s the ability to bounce back from setbacks, learn from failures, and persist in the face of adversity. Coupled with these qualities is a willingness to take risks, to step outside my comfort zone, experiment with unconventional approaches, and embrace the unknown. This risk-taking mindset has not only fueled innovation in my work but has also opened doors to unforeseen opportunities and discoveries. Together, these elements have not only shaped my artistic style but have also defined the very essence of my artistic journey, turning challenges into stepping stones and transforming setbacks into avenues for growth and self-discovery
What was the most impactful thing your parents did for you?
Allowed me to pursue my artistic endeavors. They didn’t help much financially but emotionally they were always a support.
Contact Info:
- Website: www.kelseyovestreet.com
- Instagram: www.instagram.com/giustajewels
Image Credits
Kelsey Overstreet
