Today we’d like to introduce you to Kelly Martin.
Hi Kelly, thanks for sharing your story with us. To start, maybe you can tell our readers some of your backstory.
I really enjoyed escaping into artistic creation as a child. I’ve always had such a passion for delving into fantasy worlds and putting them down on paper. I definitely drew a lot of anime, boatloads of Sailor Moon fan art and some little comics here and there. I was delighted by Jonen Vasquez as a preteen. I would say I’ve been entrenched in artistic creation from a very very young age. My blood seems to pulse with it, I don’t think there’s ever been another way for me.
We all face challenges, but looking back would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?
There was a time in my life where my creations became less authentic to my own self-expression, and my passion for it dwindled to a stop. That was a dark and painful time in my life, addled with drug addiction and mental health struggles, yet here I am, having managed to claw my way out of it. I guess what I have to say about that is… don’t let anyone tell you who you are, and sit with your feelings. Meditation is no joke!
Appreciate you sharing that. What else should we know about what you do?
These days, I’m expanding my horizons and experimenting with different types of media and art forms. My comfort zone has been watercolor portraits (which is what I have been known for), however recently, I began exploring woodworking, stained glass, dance, singing, and collage… if I can use it as a tool to express myself, I’m interested! I strive to continue collaborating with other artists to come together to create something bigger and more brilliant as a team. What sets me apart from others… I’m the only me there is. Everyone’s different, and that’s so beautiful to me. I’m not worried about what other people are doing because my ultimate artistic aspiration is to express my truth as freely and authentically as I possibly can, and that truth is constantly evolving, so I’m excited to see what it looks like in the future. Do I have something profound to say? Maybe. Let’s heal ourselves, heal the planet, heal each other. Can you think of a better way to use your time while you’re here on earth? I can’t.
How do you define success?
Never giving up. No matter how many times you fall or how hard, stand back up – despite the odds. Think “Tubthumpers” by Chumbawumba. That’s success to me. Because the truth is, failures are just lessons on the road to goal completion — as long as you keep doing your best to attain that goal.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.kellscreates.com
Image Credits
The first 3 images are portraits. The second 3 images are stickers. The next image is a film poster for an award-winning film, Abstraction. The next image is a concert poster for recording artist Anna Elizabeth. The next image is a woodwork creation. I would love to communicate with you if you’re interested in booking an art service with me; contact me via my website – https://www.kellscreates.com. Thank you!
