We’re looking forward to introducing you to Lynn Christine Kelly. Check out our conversation below.
Hi Lynn Christine, thank you so much for joining us today. We’re thrilled to learn more about your journey, values and what you are currently working on. Let’s start with an ice breaker: What are you being called to do now, that you may have been afraid of before?
Recently I was contacted by the European Cultural Centre in Venice Italy. They said they love my installation piece “the Forest for the Trees” and asked if I’d be interested in participating in their uncoming exhibition “Personal Structures”. I was so excited but also surprised and somewhat skeptical so I requested more information and also started researching the whole concept. Turns out they’re totally legit and they work alongside the Venice Biennale, not a part of it but presenting their exhibitions at the same time as the Biennale, enabling a huge audience, both local and international. While the Biennale showcases international superstars, the ECC includes lesser known artists – like me! I have been afraid to even attempt to exhibit outside North America but with this amazing opportunity landing in my inbox, I’m doing it. I’m working with the team there and getting ready to ship and install in 2026. The work will be on display in Venice from May til November 2026.
Can you briefly introduce yourself and share what makes you or your brand unique?
My work is all about nature, trees and forests in particular. I focus on the connection between human beings and the rest of the natural world. I am intensely drawn to trees. I feel good in the trees and I love that others are now being introduced to their healing and restorative presence. A little forest bathing is good for everyone. IMHO of course!
Appreciate your sharing that. Let’s talk about your life, growing up and some of topics and learnings around that. What relationship most shaped how you see yourself?
I think my relationship with my parents most shaped how I see myself. Even now, decades after leaving home, I appreciate how they made us feel like we were enough. More than enough really, to be and do anything we wanted. My mother was a stay-at-home mom and my father worked in the forest industry. They were always supportive and there was always love and laughter. I can’t recall either of them ever saying I wouldn’t be able to do something if I wanted it badly enough.
Was there ever a time you almost gave up?
Just before covid hit we packed up and moved across the country. New city, new studio, new people, new art scene. Everything new and basically no support group of fellow artists. Then less than a year in to our move, covid hit so nothing could change. By the time the world started to open up again I had about decided that maybe artist’s DO retire. And finding myself in a basement instead of an arts building with 13 ft ceilings and lots of light didn’t help either. But I came down here every day and started revising what I was doing a little, got busy researching the local scene, and finally got back to making work.
I think our readers would appreciate hearing more about your values and what you think matters in life and career, etc. So our next question is along those lines. What’s a cultural value you protect at all costs?
I protect the value of art in society always! Schools can take it out of the curriculum and parents can say they’d rather have their kids in sports but the arts – any and all of the arts – are as important to society as any sports can ever be. The arts provide a powerful key defining aspect to so so many lives.
Okay, so let’s keep going with one more question that means a lot to us: If you knew you had 10 years left, what would you stop doing immediately?
I think if I knew I definitely only had 10 years left I would stop trying to show my work. I think I would rent a great big studio space and just work work work. I would make huge paintings and more sculpture/installation pieces and not worry about where I would store them or who might ever see them.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://lynnchristinekelly.com
- Instagram: lynnchristinekelly
- Facebook: Lynn Christine Kelly Art
Image Credits
photo of me in the studio by
Albert Chow
so if you or someone you know deserves recognition please let us know here.
