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Meet Kelly Birg

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Today we’d like to introduce you to Kelly Birg.

Kelly, can you briefly walk us through your story – how you started and how you got to where you are today.
Even I was a teenager, I have loved doing anything creative. I studied fine art in high school and majored in graphic design during college. After breaking into the Phoenix art scene eight years ago, I’ve been able to showcase my work at various events, local businesses, galleries, and, by networking, gain freelance work, as well. It’s always been something fun and therapeutic to do, aside from my corporate job(s). However, over the last several months, I’ve used art primarily as a way to heal my body, mind and spirit.

All of my life, I have been in very good health. So, when I was diagnosed with a brain tumor, needless to say, I was shocked and experiencing all kinds of emotions. Never in a million years did I think that I would have to face a serious medical issue like that. Since May 2019, I’ve had three surgeries; a Craniotomy (to remove the brain tumor), a lateral Myomectomy (to remove nine uterine fibroids), and, a double hernia repair. When it came to dealing with everything that had been put before me, art served as an incredible outlet, and vehicle to redirect my energy, and connect deeply with my soul in a healing manner. When we take time to connect with ourselves and partake in activities that evoke feelings of peace, joy and inspiration, we feel good. And, when we feel good inside, we continue to heal our inner world, as well as our outer world.

Due to the situation, I’ve had the gift of being able to take several months off from my day job, as a Consumer Engagement Representative, and recover. During my recovery, it’s been my job to heal; Art is healing; it’s a way to tap into our soul, and connect with that infinite wisdom and creativity that resides within all of us. For me, such forms of tapping into that inner power include drawing, painting, writing poems, taking photos, recording sounds, creating short video clips with background music, etc.

We’re always bombarded by how great it is to pursue your passion, etc – but we’ve spoken with enough people to know that it’s not always easy. Overall, would you say things have been easy for you?
Any type of journey takes patience, perseverance and belief in oneself. Before any of these medical issues took place, I was trying to figure out which direction my art should take. Now, with everything I just went through, I’d like to direct it in such a way, where it’s more along the path of inspiring others to use art as a healing aspect, whatever they might be going through, and to share my experiences and messages through my pieces; to inspire, encourage and motivate others to never give up on their dreams, or themselves.

The journey of healing has been extremely messy, yet, beautiful all at the same time…I wouldn’t change any of it. It’s been a rainbow of emotions and experiences; light, dark, ugly, pretty, clean, confusion, clarity, fear, love, uncertainty, relief, etc. When life throws us curveballs, especially those that involve our health, it can be petrifying. When experiencing something like that, we need an outlet. And, when we tap into our creativity, connect with ourselves and the environment, something amazing happens. Art is the gateway to that connection, and, if you keep following that, it will lead you to so many things. It’s given me the clarity I’ve been seeking, to redirect my path.

Another thing I learned (and, this is a practice, of course), is that we have a choice to shape our perspective, direct our energy in a fulfilling way, take some accountability for ourselves and our healing, focus on what we can control, and, essentially, do the best we can to create our experience, and, to learn and transcend from obstacles that are put before us. It has also made me discover the courage, bravery, strength and magic that lies within all of us. We have the choice to create our canvas, which represents our journey. Art is life, and, life is art, I feel.

AND, the great news is all three surgeries were successful, including the craniotomy. The surgeon was able to remove the entire tumor, and, I coasted through the healing, without experiencing hardly any side effects. Also, due to the molecular structure of the tumor, I was cleared from having to undergo further treatment.

Tell us more about your art.
I am known for my mixed media pieces, where I combine drawing, painting, digital photography and other mediums, such as scotch tape, painters tape, etc. I’m known for creating abstract, funky, colorful and well-balanced pieces, that evoke dark and light emotions while taking the viewer on a fun journey. I have several pieces that can be viewed, using 3D glasses, as well. This journey has led me to expand my art in such a way, where,  I’d like to start experimenting with some new ideas, using the art that I created during my healing.

What sets me apart from others, I feel, is my ability to change styles; sometimes, my style can be cleaner, more refined and simple; other times, it can be loud, spontaneous and all over the place. I also can produce a high number of quality pieces, within a quick time frame. In addition, I feel that my use of different mediums (like scotch tape, duct take, sharpie, pastel, paint), and making them work cohesively together, sets me apart from other artists.

Has luck played a meaningful role in your life and business?
I think it depends on so many factors. Being in the right place at the right time, having the talent, taking time to create, as well as time to market yourself, constant learning, networking, etc. I feel like the whole journey is like creating a painting; as you’re working for a bit, take a step back to view the composition and evaluate. Do you like the direction, and, are you comfortable with where it’s going? Or, do you feel like you need to change some things up a bit? If you’re satisfied with how it’s looking, continue in that direction. If not, then, it’s time to make some changes.

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Image Credit:
Linda Birg

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