This Trolley Night, June 28th 6-9pm, we are highlighting the artwork of
Mary-Ellen Kelly
This is what the artist has to say about her artwork-
"I usually tell people that I can neither draw a portrait, nor paint a church, but what I can do, is put things together so that it looks good. In short, I prefer to evoke, rather than to portray. I've always had a creative eye and i've always been resourceful. Creating mixed media art is just a process that allows me to visually combine the two strengths. Because I adore all things retro and vintage, I tend to use these types of ephemera in my work."
Store manager, Kennedy, asked Mary-Ellen a few questions about her work:
How did you get your start making art?
"I have always been resourceful and creative. I come from a family of dexterous workers, my father was a carpenter, and my mother was a hairdresser, so using my hands to create happened genetically. I was drawn to art and creating from an early age so that when high school rolled around, I was taking art classes in and out of school. But it wasn’t until I had children and thus became the primary caretaker for them, that I tried to pursue art as more than just a hobby. After my second son was born about 15 years ago, I decided to make a go of my art, that is, trying to sell it."
What inspires you to create?
"Well, I am a huge fan of “recycle/reuse”! Money was scarce growing up, so if I had something that broke, I had to fix it, or if I didn’t like something I had, I had to figure out a way to make it into something else. Repurposing material is the centerpiece of my art. I am enamored with the craftsmanship and time period of most things dubbed vintage, antique, or old. With that, I love the challenge of taking something old and making it modern, pretty, or eye catching."
What is the goal or purpose of your work?
"Old books, journals, photographs, and windows are all elements in my work. Not only were most of these things so well made in the past, but also they have their own stories. So to continue that story by using them into my art is soul filling to me. Like life, there’s always a second chance!"
Mary-Ellen had a show with us back in 2017 and we are thrilled to be showing off her new work as a featured artist again this year!
Keep up with her at maryellenkellydesign.com and on Instagram @mek_design