Shape Shifters – Art Images Gallery 9 Oct – 8 November 2020

shapeshifters_emailinvite.jpg

New range of Giclée Art Prints available for SALA Festival 2020

For SALA 2020 I am releasing some new art prints as an online exhibition. Just because we have restrictions, doesn’t mean we can’t have a virtual exhibit! Artworks available for as gallery quality Giclée prints in sizes A4, A3 and A2.

Creative inspiration / distraction with the kids #stayathome

Since we have been asked to #stayathome due to the global coronavirus pandemic, I have been feeling as though creating my artwork doesn’t really matter in the scheme of the world, that it is not essential and actually that it is really kind of selfish and indulgent. It is also a difficult time for me to carve out time for art as I have 2 kids (4 & 7) who are now learning from home, and at night I’m trying to do some graphic design work to help put food on the table. I have been feeling low, helpless and miserable from spending too much time on Twitter and reading too much news. It just makes me grumpy! It seems silly that it wasn’t obvious to me at first, but I have only just realised through helping my kids with their school work, that to help me stay sane and to stop worrying about EVERYTHING, I need to find small creative outlets in my day to help tame my anxieties. So while my own time is limited and I probably can’t actually create my own work, at least I can build some positivity and inspiration in my day – whether I do it with my kids or own my own, it is all good!

So last week with my kids we did a few arty/crafty activities after the normal school work was done: Matisse inspired cutout pictures, Andy Warhol inspired portraits, wooden bead figures, dream catchers, a lego night-light and tiny kokeshi dolls. Just overseeing these creative activities with my kids, using art materials that I already had laying around, and not having an expectations, just filled my heart with so much joy and gave me such a boost – and the kids loved it too! Of course they would much rather Fun-Mum than Grumpy-Mum!

What have you been up to while you’re at home? What are you doing to help tame your stresses? Let me know, I would love to hear.

I thought I would share some links which are helpful to me in finding fun and creative inspiration for me and the kids! Maybe there is something there that you may enjoy too.

Tate Kids – art activities and learning
MOMA learning – learning about art
Te Papa – Whanua Challenges (Create a Rainbow & Name Portrait especially)
Lockdown Diary – download and print a lockdown diary
National Gallery of Victoria – NGV Kids at Home

Hope you find a little inspo here, i’ll check back in soon! Take care, Kels x

Locals at Outré Gallery

I am so proud to be part of this exhibition “LOCALS” at Outré Gallery from Feb 14, 2020

Here are some progress and detail shots, as well as the final piece hanging in the Gallery.

SALA 17 Show

As part of SALA Festival I have a few works on display that I created for the Adelaide Symphony Orchestra's 2017 Season. 

 

Interpreting the Symphony
Art inspired by the music of the Adelaide Symphony Orchestra's 2017 Season. Each piece elicits an imaginative response, yet is abstract. Music. Interpreted. Translated for the eye. Colour and form evoking sounds. Capturing movement, tempi, rhythms, emotion. Connecting eye, ear and soul. Breathe. Imagine. Let the music in…

Venue: Adelaide Symphony Orchestra - Grainger Studio, 91 Hindley St Adelaide, 5000
Opening times: Mon-Fri 9:30am-4:30pm throughout August

There are 5 works from the 2017 Season available as fine art Giclée Prints. 1 set only framed as exhibited, but limited edition of prints available. I have listed them on my website as prints only if you cannot make it to the exhibition. See them here. The proceeds of each print goes back to the ASO to support the orchestra's developmental programs.

I also have 5 originals on view and available for purchase.

Invitation to Outré Gallery show

You're invited to join us for the opening of 'Gridlines' by Kels O'Sullivan at 6pm, 21 April, Outré Gallery, Melbourne, as part of the Small Wall Project for 2017. 
"Heavily influenced by the discipline of modernism, pattern & textile design of the mid century, Kelly O'Sullivan creates work that is made up of clean and simple shapes based from a grid system. Her work symbolises her relationships with everyday forms, expressing emotion, reflecting experiences and surroundings through the use geometry, colour, pattern, line and repetition. (Read the full interview about about my work, inspiration and process for the show here)
The opening coincides with 'Mid Century Modern Mix', a group show features vintage art, modernist architectural renderings and contemporary works inspired by the era. So a Mid Century feast for the eyes!

Come and have a drink surrounded by some vintage, retro and Mid Century Modern art
I will be there and hope to see you there too! Kels x 

'Home' group show at Modern Times

I am so honoured to be part of the group show 'Home' which is showing at Modern Times

As Modern Times have said on their website:
"Modern Times is proud to announce their first ever group show, ‘Home’ opening on October 27th. Home showcases the work of 20 contemporary Australian artists exploring the notion of home and what it means to them, featuring Modern Times regulars such as printmaker Ellie Malin and painter Elizabeth Barnett, as well as guests including current Archibald finalist Yvette Coppersmith and Geelong Contemporary Art Prize finalist Jonathan Crowther.

“The concept of home means different things to different people - it can be positive or negative, literal or spiritual and the works in Home highlight this breadth of interpretation,” explains Modern Times director, Amy Malin. “From the self-conscious display of convenience foods depicted in ‘Packaged Good’ by Sandra Eterovic, to the overwhelming pile of toys rendered in laborious detail by Eleanor Voterakis in ‘Work. Life. Balance’ how the artists have translated the theme is really fascinating.”

In Esther Olssen’s work ‘Never Home Girl’, Esther explores a version of home that extends beyond her four walls. Esther explains, “Being just 23, I spend a lot of time not at home so my work reflects the locations I spend my time, the streets I walk along and how important a sense of community is for me to feel at home.”

Amy and Joel Malin, owners of Modern Times have always said, “We want people to feel at home at Modern Times.”  This show is a reflection of that philosophy and a culmination of years of nurturing artists and their passion to show contemporary art with substance and integrity in an inviting space."

If you are interested in a catalogue please contact  pip@moderntimes.com.au

Selected Exhibited works now available online!

I have some of my original artworks now available online for purchase. They are listed under 'Exhibited works'. If you have any questions regarding these items please don't hesitate to contact me on kelsosullivan@gmail.com  

Works are required to be part of the exhibition until 31 October. All items will ship in the first week of November. 

Feature on We Are Scout blog

So chuffed and grateful to have been featured on the We Are Scout blog! In an article titled 'Australian Affordable Art on Etsy : top 30' one of my original 30minute paintings came in at no. 9. What a great article to promote the work of Australian artists! Thanks We Are Scout, I am honored to have made the list! You can read the full article here

Exhibition at Bliss Organic Garden Café

lifeform-invite-FA-email.jpg

You & your guests are invited to my exhibition launch:

life : form

Thursday 1 October, 
6pm – 7.30pm

Bliss Organic Garden Café 
7 Compton St, Adelaide

In life:form Kels explores universal shapes and their symbolism. Geometric designs are juxtaposed with organic forms inspired by nature and its elements.

drinks & nibbles provided
rsvp: by 25 Sept, email kelsosullivan@gmail.com

The exhibition runs from 1 – 31 October, so if you can't make it to the opening, please do pop into the café during opening hours: Mon–Thursday 11am-4pm, Fri 11am-4pm & 6pm-late, Sat 8am-4pm, Closed Sun & Pub.Hols.

A selection of works will be available on my website after the launch on 1 October
Please email kelsosullivan@gmail.com with any enquiries.

 

It's a wrap!

A big thanks to everyone who visiting me at Finders Keepers in Melbourne. It was really lovely to meet you all and get some lovely feedback about my work. As I mainly sell online I haven't had much contact with my customers and it was great to be have face-to-face discussions about my work. I deeply appreciate every comment and every purchase. I feel so lucky that I can do what I love. Thank you!! 

As I was debuting some of my artworks at Finders Keepers some items are not available online yet. I will be updating the site over the coming days. If you would like to enquire about anything please don't hesitate to contact me on kelsosullian@gmail.com

Thanks again!

Kels  x

Market Specials

I'm in Melbourne for Finders Keepers market! It starts tonight – bumping in my stall shortly! How exciting!

I'm offering some specials especially for the market:

  • FREE hand-printed calico bag with purchase over $50 (limited numbers, be quick!)

  • Limited Edition Giclée Art prints for the price of Open Edition prints
    A4 $40ea (were $65), A3 $70ea (were $95)

  • A6 Art Cards $6ea or 3 for $15

  • DL Art Cards $8ea or 2 for $15

  • Pocket Notebook (A6) $8ea or 2 for $15

  • All framed sketches from my @thebookofkels daily art $40ea (All sizes)

Come down and say 'Hello' I'm at stall D35!

My daily works are now available on Etsy

I have listed lots of my daily artworks on my Etsy store. I will also be adding more new works every week, so be sure to check back regularly. Prices are set to be affordable and range from $20-35. If there is anything on Instagram  @thebookofkels not listed that you are interested in email me on kelsosullivan@gmail.com Also if you really like a piece feel free to get in early and comment on my pic to secure it before it is listed to the general public.

Sea Inspired

I feel so lucky to live by the sea. I am continuously inspired by the ocean, the sun rising over it and the light reflecting on it. It is having a large impact on my new body of work. Reflection of light and balance of shapes are key themes to my finished pieces as well as my sketches on Instagram @thebookofkels. So I thought I would just show you some of the scenery that I am blessed to see every day and and is fuelling my creativity.