JonMark Photography

Archive for the ‘Visual Graphic Arts’ Category

Modern abstract art holds a special place in the hearts and minds of many people. To the uninitiated, it appears like any second grader could do what, in fact, only a real artist can master. There is a tendency for some to understate the real insight and technical skill that is required by an abstract artist. I once overheard someone in a gallery comment on a piece they were looking at, that they couldn’t believe how stupid it was that people would “put out good money for a piece of crap like that”. I held my tongue because I remembered how it was only a very short time before that I had uttered equally inane blather. I knew that this person just didn’t know better, that they hadn’t bothered to learn about this beautiful form of art.

I recently had a delightful conversation with artist Lea Kelley about her art, her process, and life in general. The phenomenal talent Kelly possesses for connecting life and art were clear to me within the very first few moments of our conversation. I found our discussion to be both exciting and enlightening. It was a real treat for me to visit with someone with the insight and goodness that she exudes. She was engaging and energetic. Not pushy, but anxious to let me discover her world little by little, a good listener who seemed to perceive my question almost before I could ask it. Over the next few months I will be doing a series of articles about Kelley and some of her work. This is an unusual step for me, but one that I hope readers will enjoy. This first article is meant to be a general introduction.