Today we’d like to introduce you to Kellie Rogers.
Kellie, please share your story with us. How did you get to where you are today?
Growing up, I was always creative, but it wasn’t until about five years ago that I discovered my true gifts and passion for art. In 2013, I picked up a sketchbook and pen and started doodling aimlessly, soon to fill its pages with tiny detailed sketches that looked like little abstract worlds. Every day I would create a new drawing, and I could never put my sketchbook down- needless to say, I had uncovered my passion. I would start with a simple shape and add details as they seemed fit, allowing the doodle to flourish as its own entity. I still follow this process today but since then have developed a keen eye for symmetry and balance, creating work that flows organically and is created on the spot. Almost none of the drawings and paintings I make are done with a vision in mind before they are created unless I am working on a commissioned piece or custom design.
Shortly after uncovering my passion for drawing, I also discovered wire wrapping. I remember looking at a simple wire wrapped ring and thinking to myself that I could recreate something similar, so I purchased some tools and beads and gave it a try. I was instantly hooked on this new hobby, and it felt natural to work with the wire and bend it in particular ways around beautiful stones and crystals. It started to get really fun from there as I began going to every gem or bead shop I could find to hand select my favorite treasures and make wearable art with them. After a few months of diving deep into this hobby, it turned into another full-blown passion, and I decided to open an Etsy shop in the fall of 2015.
I now create art and jewelry with the intention of infusing the world with love and beauty that it hasn’t seen before. Both cosmic and organic in nature, my art and jewelry can be seen as a connection between our world and other worlds beyond our limited reality. My paintings are done on black canvas to represent the void of which life stems from, subtly reminding those who view it that it is our power to create what we choose. In contrast of the black canvas, I use bright colors to uplift, inspire, and bring excitement to the eye and mind, redirecting the viewer to the truth of the joys life inevitably brings amidst its challenges and perils.
Has it been a smooth road?
The road has been full of twist and turns, and it still is! The easiest part has been the natural flow and progression of my art itself. It happens on its own as I move through life and with all of my experiences. The most challenging part is figuring out how to piece all the business components together in a way that I can pursue my passions and support myself with them.
My life fluxes from working multiple jobs at once to support my living and art, to taking long stints of time off to solely focus on my craft and develop my skills. Finding the balance in it all is a great challenge, but even when it’s hard, I absolutely love the process. I have faith as I continue on my path, even when I feel at times very alone and directionless, that I am doing it exactly as I should be.
We’d love to hear more about what you do.
I create custom jewelry, art, and tattoo designs. My favorite thing about the work I do is sitting down with clients for a brainstorming session for their custom work (tattoo or otherwise) and infusing their deepest intentions with my craft to create a beautifully collaborative product for them. Nothing makes my heart soar more than to know I am creating something meaningful and symbolic for someone.
Is our city a good place to do what you do?
This city is a great place to start a creative business. I say this mostly because the direct exposure that is made possible by being in a city. There is also a massive amount of help and support that is always here, and a large amount of other artists looking to create the same thing.
I’ve met so many people who are more than happy to support me and my dreams, who encourage me to keep going when I want to give up, and who offer help where ever they can. We live in a place where people are constantly going after their dreams, and they don’t roll their eyes when you explain to them your ideas of creating a life outside the norm; instead, they celebrate it.
Pricing:
- Custom Jewelry from $75-$300
- Custom Tattoo Designs starting at $100
- Custom Mural Work starting at $250
- Logo/Web Design starting at $50
- Custom Drawings/ Paintings starting at $50
Contact Info:
- Website: kellierogersart.com
- Phone: (909) 744-0638
- Email: kellierogersart0@gmail.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/kellierogersart/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/kellierogersart/
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