“paranoidgirl…”
In a world where the private and personal have become more public, we are all facing a feeling of “paranoia” and questioning ourselves and our limits. At the same time we are now inundated with information from all over the world and are adjusting on how to process it, as well as asking ourselves “where do we fit in, can we make a difference and how do we move forward”. Kelly D. Pelka’s art focuses on current events through imagery and text with illustrative characters in atmospheric abstract backdrops feeding off both positive and negative energy. She creates imagery influenced by science, nature, history, pop culture, environmental issues and personal stories and excerpts from her poetry. Using a mixture of techniques and media in her work such as drawing, painting, print-making, sculpture, photography, collage, fabric, wallpaper, magnetic canvas, paper, wood, found objects, lighting and sound, she is constantly experimenting and pushing the evolution of her work.
“one small glimse…”
Growing up in the Illinois, Kelly spent her time between Chicago and a nearby suburb, tracking the route with a quick commute that linked the two worlds together. Within blocks, green turned to gray, houses merged into apartments, rats and squirrels co-habited the streets and trees became sparse as she crossed an imaginary fence. In a sense, she always she was on the outside looking in no matter which way she was going. One became an extension of the other, not to be assigned borders, but to be viewed as a whole. This upbringing set the stage for her art, giving her a sense of belonging everywhere, but at the same time nowhere, on the outside looking in, absorbing what was around her.
“history repeats itself…”
Kelly views her art as an ongoing story of complex issues. The work itself is presented as bits and pieces of a whole, as to show that everything is interconnected and that all actions intentional and unintentional have consequences. Through the use of chaotic but controlled lines, one begins to feel the tension in the work. In paying close attention to the titles, one will find overlap with the introspective thoughts of the artist and the imagery in which it is presented as a representation of global issues. The viewer is taken on a journey, an inner conscious discovery, in a constant state of questioning, but will be led to retreating to oneself for answers. A time-line on a continuum, a theme of reincarnation…she lets history in the making as well as from the past, take the art where it needs to go.
“and all that makes up a whole…”
Aside from working as an artist, Kelly D. Pelka is owner of Right-Brained Studio, the art of creative thinking!, a youth art studio and gallery in Oak Park, Illinois where she mentors youth artists ages 18 and under as well as curates shows of their work. Kelly also is founder, designer and co-owner of Re-Girl Apparel and Accessories, fashioning leg-warmers, arm-warmers, skirts and more from found materials, organic and artist designed fabrics. In all of her endeavors, she uses eco-friendly materials, recycles and re-uses as often as possible.