Artist of the week: Kelly Callaghan-Skoff, Avalon resident
What does art mean to you?
Kelly: Art for me has always been a part of who and what I am. It has been my way to connect and communicate with just about everything I strive to know and learn. It has become the way that I exist and a way of representing unique moments that speaks to a universal human condition. I create images to make emotional impressions of the things I see (or don’t really see) in my life. I place joy, freedom, love, color, and surprise in the details, from my imagination and create a whimsical representation in a digital space and on rocks and other materials. My work, whether it be a street scene, portrait, landscape, animals or other, is most successful when it speaks to celebrating the humor of life. When people see my work, I’d like them to feel happy and connect with a sense of this special little island. If I get a laugh, see a smile or hear a wow! – I know I have reached success.
When did your interest in art begin?
Kelly: Originally, I started drawing because it was just what I did. I soon learned that it connected me with others. I needed to capture that moment of existence and visually capture the moment to fulfill my spirit and communicate. Being a shy somewhat awkward kid, art allowed me to break free from my fears and social barriers that I feel as humans we all struggle with. I was always curious about everything and art was my tool for learning and understanding. My passion to create has also driven me to explore and as a financial springboard, it gave me the courage and ability to travel on my own-Godspeed. Once abroad I felt a strong desire to capture the beautiful moments I experienced and the act of illustrating my travels increased my education and joy. My sketches seemed to act as an accessible bridge to the people I met and spoke to and build relationships with.
Do you have a favorite medium?
Kelly: Art is my reason for being and no matter what medium, subject, substrate or message – whether it be with music, dance, theatre, film or design, art is as integral to the human condition and in that it is essential.
