Meet Kelsey Gilman

Today we’d like to introduce you to Kelsey Gilman.

Every artist has a unique story. Can you briefly walk us through yours?
I was born in a rural Nebraska town and moved with my family to Scottsdale AZ when I was eight. I was born prematurely with a hole in my heart, at 30 weeks and had to remain in the hospital for three weeks until I reached five lbs. Thankfully, I had no further health problems. I believe that everyone has a hole in their spiritual heart that can only be filled with the love of Jesus Christ. I was a self-taught artist for most of my life but I was looking for the right school that would teach me professional skills that I knew I needed. I went through a long period of waiting and asking God what He wanted me to do with this gift. From early childhood, art has created a window to express my vision of the world from early portraits to work motivated by my inner voice. I studied at the Milan Art Institute in Queen Creek for a year to find my voice and style through classical training.

Please tell us about your art.
I am inspired by arts ability to blend the spiritual with the natural world. My art seeks to connect the Creator to the creation in a way that empowers the beauty of the female figure with the abstract environment of the spiritual. Each brushstroke creates fluidity in the epic dance between light and beauty overpowering the darkness. I build upon each layer of paint through texture and transparency. My women of strength battle through the abstract of light and darkness, on her voyage to find the missing key.

I let transparent brushstrokes flow on the canvas giving shape to the formless abstract. I layer lines of beauty eloquently placing the woman in glory on her journey through life. As the image starts to come alive through color and texture, I add expressive gold palette knife strokes which signify grace.

My studio in Scottsdale is a place of refuge, a place to express the spiritual journey of life. I hope to inspire women of different ages and backgrounds to feel connected to her artwork. Inspiring and encouraging strength in their own journey to fill the void inside all of us.

What do you think is the biggest challenge facing artists today?
I think the biggest challenge can be limitations that artists put on themselves, social media has proven to be one of the biggest outlets for artists today to sell their work. I think that if artists can think beyond the limits that society puts on them and get their art out there without fear of rejection or fear of failure they can start to see success.

How or where can people see your work? How can people support your work?
My work can be seen on my website or social media pages. Any upcoming exhibitions or events will be posted on my social media pages.

Contact Info:

• Website: kelseygilman.art
• Phone: 480-244-3778
• Email: kelseygilmanart@gmail.com
• Instagram: @kelseygilmanart
• Facebook: Kelsey Gilman

Image Credit:
Nate Lynd

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