Kelly Blevins
The Archives 2013 – 2023
Bio:
Award winning artist, known for realistic and surrealist large-scale drawings, has been working out of residence in Pittsburgh, PA since 2010. With a recent crossover into oil painting, there is a development of expression to create a body of work in hopes for a more authentic connection between the audience and artwork.
By studying oil painting and its ability to adapt, the medium has provided a new avenue for my technique, and it gives my hand more freedom to express myself by going back and forth between painting and drawing. At the moment I’m discovering that by combining the two, I create a more striking visual language. Some inspirations of mine include Jenny Saville and Jeremy Mann.
Statement:
“I would like to advocate more for artists with disabilities by creating a narrative that includes my own. There are challenges, but they can be expressed through creating a visual dialogue whether it be abstract or straightforward. The point is to raise awareness to artists like me who struggle to attain expectations of society, and to provide a safe space where, like myself, we can find a way to function in their own creative worlds where growth and healing are possible.”
The body of work I’m creating now speaks abstractly of the processing of trauma and how challenging it is to face complex post-traumatic stress disorders and its hold over your social, mental and emotional well-being. It often feels like a war against oneself because of how it attaches to every part of you. I’m continuing my journey of “trauma growth” through my visual language, it helps me to grieve and accept my reality. I also want to showcase the possibilities to others with illness that by sharing your story you can help others feel seen.”
About the work:
This collection is from my archives, and I am hoping to raise enough to continue my medical treatments and develop my artwork along side without the pressure of financial stress. For me, healing and creating go hand in hand, and being taken away from that process makes it difficult for me to function with reoccurring symptoms that include a panic disorder when exposed to social situations. I would like to eventually live alongside society and given the time and funds to do so would make a huge impact not only on me, but to my current work.
I’ve chosen the artworks provided because I think they are a great precursor to my creative development, and hopefully provide support for it too.