Full Circle

Group Show: Melange I at the Circle Gallery, Reception March 3rd

I made a promise to myself. A commitment of personal growth, of significant change. One fall afternoon, more than two years ago, I made a decision to put aside my crafting hobbies in order to pursue my dream of being an artist. I made the announcement and posted it publicly HERE and then set out to make good on my word.  It didn’t happen all at once. I didn’t get to jump right in. But between sorting laundry and sorting out my priorities, I began building a future in art.

The idea has been with me since childhood when I would illustrate my own stories or draw ideas for new toys. And in high school where I would skip class to hang out in the art room or spend my summers in and out of all my artist neighbors’ studios. I almost made plans as a young adult to rent a cottage by the sea and paint my life away, but I had a different destiny at that time. All those dreams got packed away as I carried on with my life. And if it weren’t for this beautiful life I am living right now, the dream would not have come full circle. The opportunity and desire would not have presented itself once again.

And, yet, here I am…one step at a time down the long road, slowly but surely keeping my promise to myself. This weekend is the reception to a group show at the CIRCLE GALLERY in Annapolis where I have a selection of new art hanging on the wall. I have painted, I have submitted, I have put my heart into this and now I am ready for the world! Or at least my corner of it…

 I am so humbled and honored by the support I have had to get to where I am now and grateful for those who would continue to see me achieve my dreams. Thank you for taking the time to be a part of my life and my journey. Thank you for the opportunity. It’s truly wonderful to be able to create and share it with you. Now it’s time to go and MAKE MORE ART!

You can see more art at www.kelleewynneconrad.com

Friday Happy Hour: Make More Art

My hands are dirty. My heart is full. I’ve been busy, busy, busy. I’ve painted up a bunch of new stuff….but the work has just begun. A dozen paintings do not make a body of work. One gallery show does not make me a star. A couple of sales do not make me a success. A few accolades does not mean I can call myself a master of anything except taking a risk and even then, it is a small risk for the small steps I have taken. The work has just begun.

“Don’t think about making art, just get it done.

Let everyone else decide if it’s good or bad,

whether they love it or hate it.

While they are deciding,

make even more art.” –Andy Warhol

I love this quote by Andy Warhol. Make more art. I’ve been told that I need to make a hundred paintings and then I might start to understand how to paint. A thousand more and it will really sink in. And it’s more important than ever to ignore what other people are saying and just keep painting. Just keep singing, writing, designing, making and doing what you love, and don’t stop for anyone because there is a place for everyone in the creative world.

And I am just beginning.  I am excited and nervous. But I can’t stop now. Each step forward propels me on to the next, and on I go. Every week that I create something new is the best week ever. Every opportunity that unfolds before me tells me, I know I’m going in the right direction. A hundred paintings, a thousand more? The work has just begun.

Friday Happy Hour: When the Dust Settles

I've often said I work two full time jobs and get paid little for either. By day (and night and weekends and holidays) I am the domestic caretaker of a house full of monkeys; I am a stay at home mom. And when I can squeeze out an hour or three, I throw myself at this little dream I have of being an artist. Neither pay much, but when the dust settles I expect to see that the payoff will be greater than monetary rewards. 

The monkeys are already growing into strong vikings with dreams of their own and the little art career I dream of is slowly growing into a reality. The little steps I take today are evolving into a bigger sense of purpose and fulfillment. With each stroke of color I discover a new facet of myself. The joy of motherhood is more than the soft scent of new born babies; I never knew that my teenager could leave me in just as much awe today as he did with his first smile. And standing before a blank canvas is just as daunting and exhilarating, even after I have had little successes like being hung on a gallery wall or selling paintings. Because the challenge is still within myself. Any reward I hope to see out of my future will not come of luck, but rather step by step. Each mad, dusty, creative, driven and dedicated moment I put into it right now.  

So, yes, it's another best week ever because each week built upon the last will eventually lead to one beautiful life. When the dust settles, what will you see?