Faces and people have always fascinated me. Even at a very young age all I wanted to do was paint and draw were people. As I grew older, my artistic exploration expanded into various mediums, from charcoal and ceramics to photography and various types of painting. Each medium provided a unique way to bring the face and figure to life.
During my time as a young mother, I made a doll for my daughter's birthday. This experience led me to create textile sculptures with altered photos. I had always loved fabric and would design costumes for myself and my sisters. I really enjoyed manipulating photographs and integrating them into fabric, blending technology with textile art.
My passion for portraiture led me to establish a photography business, but found I missed the tactile nature of using my hands. This led me back to altered photos and fabric. I discovered needlework portraiture.
I strive to reveal the uniqueness of the individual. Each piece is a testament to the delicate craftsmanship and sensitive expressions that define my art.
Kelly Mead
textile artist
Artist Statment
Throughout my artistic journey, I have been inspired by the beauty of human beings, particularly the face with its seemingly unlimited expressions. With each new work, I endeavor to capture the essence of what it is to be human, the spiritual the emotional, and the personal. My current work merges my passion for textiles, photography and sketching by combining them with hand needlework. My technique has developed by using digital tools, such as Photoshop, to create unique patterns which I meticulously hand stitch onto a variety of fabrics. As I developed my process, I delve into the fusion of modern technology with traditional needlework.
Ultimately, my art aims to illuminate the awe-inpiring tapestry of human existence, while asking questions about the evolving nature of art in our increasingly technology drive society.
My desire to become a professional artist has been years in the making. For a long time, I struggled with many negative thoughts such as: "You're not good enough," "You can’t make a living doing this." These are thoughts I believe that many artists face at some point in their careers. I felt scattered and unsure of where to start. I wanted to take my art seriously and advance to the next level.
An artist friend told me about Matt Tommey Mentoring. Although I didn't think I was ready, I felt compelled to join. It turned out to be the best decision I've ever made. The program has positively impacted not only my artistic life but my entire life in so many ways. If you are an artist or anyone wanting to move to the next level, I highly recommend looking into this program.
“God put the dream in your heart of being an artist who’s making art, making a living and making an impact. It’s not selfish to want to see that dream become a reality.”