Meet Kreg Kelley | Visual Mixed Media Artist

We had the good fortune of connecting with Kreg Kelley and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Kreg, we’d love to hear more about how you thought about starting your own business?
I’ve always wanted to work for myself, and being an artist allows me that freedom. Believing in what you do is key. Sales are a testament for an artist. Having your art represented by great people is crucial. I am fortunate and grateful to have my “Tempus Fugit (Time Flies) Series showcased by Procaccini Galleries in Key West and Naples. They have such an incredible team and have connected me with hundreds of collectors from around the world.

What’s one thing about your industry that outsiders are probably unaware of? The work ethic involved. A lot of people like to call themselves ‘artists’ without understanding the lifelong sacrifices one must make. You never quit or retire from being and artist, and the demand to be unique and relevant is always a driving force. Inspiration is also essential. Sometimes it comes easy and you have fun with it, and other times you have to push yourself a bit more to find the motivation.

Risk taking: how do you think about risk, what role has taking risks played in your life/career?
You must take risks both inside and outside of your studio. Trying new styles and working with new colors is just as risky as having the right asking price and gallery representation. I remember it was scary just buying hundreds of dollars of supplies when I could barely afford my rent. Every risk leads to something new, so I think it is essential and instinctual for me. Every time I would try to use a new technique or subject matter it was a risk. Every show I exhibited at was a risk. You just gotta do the work and put yourself out there. The reward of it all, seeing and meeting a client with a smile of their face, makes it all worthwhile in the end. I still hear from clients from 10 plus years ago saying how much they still love their art by me, and that brings me so much joy and inspiration to keep creating.

Other than deciding to work for yourself, what was the single most important decision you made that contributed to your success? Developing a work ethic. You sort of have to cut yourself off from the rest of the world to create, or at least that’s how I feel. You only have one life to live, and time is precious. I’ve learned to be more careful with who and what I use it on.

What is the most important factor behind your success / the success of your brand?
The need to create is foremost. The love of making people happy through my art. Most importantly, the success I’ve had with my Tempus Fugit series at Procaccini Galleries in Key West and Naples. With the right team and representation anything is possible.

What’s the most difficult decision you’ve ever had to make?
I’d say making the decision to be an artist at a young age. Once I knew what I wanted to do in life, I knew it was game on. There are many paths I saw, but in the end I wanted to do what made me happy. My dad worked in a factory his entire life and died when I was 16, so that really taught me that life is short and you should do what you love. I knew it was going to be a challenge, but if you continue to put everything you got into something you believe in, it can be very rewarding.

Work life balance: how has your balance changed over time? How do you think about the balance?
This has always been an obstacle for me because I find my art does indeed take up a lot of my time. I’ve definitely made a lot of decisions to paint when I could be going on a date or watch a sunset, but that’s just me. I definitely make time to do the things I love outside of the studio. Gardening, my cat and nature are big with me. I love my alone time, and I find it easier to balance it all as I get older. I do sometimes think this will always be a work in progress though!

Do you have a favorite quote or affirmation? What does it mean to you / what do you like about it?
“Illegitimi non carborundum” which is Latin for “Don’t Let the Bastards Get You Down”. Artists are sensitive creatures by nature, and I’ve had my fair share of dealing with egos in an out of the art world. In general people will be there to criticize while others offer amazing support —- don’t let the idiots get you down. That energy, both good and bad, keeps me going.

Why did you pursue an artistic or creative career?
I wanted a fun job where I could work with my hands to create. It made me so happy to do so as a kid and why not do what you love your entire life? I love the idea of creating things that evoke emotions in people, and that they will enjoy long after I’m gone. Nothing is more meaningful when a client has an emotional response. Art is powerful and a part of humanity, to channel that energy is a rewarding experience. The unique materials I work with come from my love of antiquing; often old sheet music, clock parts, pocket watches, skeleton keys etc, also harness a great power and mystery. The idea of taking something old and making it into something new and modern is fascinating to me.

What do you want your legacy to be? What do you want people to remember about you?
Hmmm that’s a tough one. Probably that I was unique in my creativity. Every artist has a certain style, and you can only recreate the wheel so many times. I’d like to think I was unique in my profession.

Can you open up a bit about your work and career? We’re big fans and we’d love for our community to learn more about your work.
“I often use salvaged antique items from the 19th and early 20th century such as sheet music, piano parts, postcards, keys and clock parts and many other items to create abstract portraits and compositions. All of my work is coated in an epoxy resin, giving the artwork a glass-like appearance. The idea of taking an antique item and utilizing it into a work of art which will be enjoyed forever fascinates me. My passion for history and antiques is heavily expressed in my work, and I find that as an artist you need to be aware of the history of art and what has been done before; and then try to reinvent the wheel. One of my favorite artists, Jill Scott, said “I think, as an artist, you have to experience some deep turmoil, some kind of pain, because that’s what connects you with the world. That’s what makes it juicy!” — and I could not agree more. Having lost my father at 16; a father who worked his entire life at a factory just like his own, made me realize that life is short— and you should do what you LOVE. Creating art has always been a passion of mine, and I have been following that rhythm ever since.” My website is www.kregkelley.com.

Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
Marie Kubin for the referral and for being a fabulous collector of my work! The team at Art on Duval Key West and Art off Fifth Ave Naples/ Procaccini Galleries. As well as Salt Gallery and William’s Hall here in key west which display my work.

Website: www.kregkelley.com

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/kregdkelley

Facebook: https://m.facebook.com/kreg.d.kelley