Artist Kelly Robinson-And K. Ross Original Art

By Staff

What sparked your initial interest in painting, and how did you first begin exploring your talent as an artist?

It wasn’t any one specific thing that got me interested in art. I would say it was many things. As a child, I was always creative. I had a wild and vivid imagination and always made objects with my hands using Lego blocks, popsicle sticks, molding clay, wood, and watercolor paint. I got my first formal exposure to art in High School art class. There, I learned various skills and types of art. To this day, drawings, paintings, and pottery drew my interest and fueled my fascination with art.

By 1995, I had become a small art collector of art by Chicago artists. One day in 2001, because I love art, friends suggested I should be an artist, and with that suggestion, I started teaching myself to paint again and explore if I wanted to be a serious artist.

By the Fall of 2002, I hosted my first art show with 75 original paintings and sold through 55 pieces. The success of my 1st exhibition motivated me to create more art and seek out other opportunities to showcase my art in Chicago, so in 2002, The Artist K. Ross and K. Ross Original Art was officially established.

Can you share some of the personal or cultural experiences that inspire your creative process and subject matter?

At the beginning of my art journey, I pulled inspiration from my personal and professional travel destinations and experiences there. I often traveled to various island beach destinations: Paradise Island, BA, USVI (specifically, St. John), Cancun, Playa Del Carmen, Vancouver, CA, Puerto Rico, etc. While there, I visited the local art galleries, talked with and learned from the local artists, and supported the artists. I needed to give back to those who poured knowledge and inspiration into me as an emerging artist. That’s why it is still very important to support emerging artists.

In recent years, my inspiration & subject matter is more organic than strategic. Almost daily, I have a passion to-put paint on canvas when the energy hits me. I love creating. I do pull some color and style inspirations from various sources. Such as, conversations I have with the hundreds of people, I meet at my weekly art shows at home furnishing retailers’ west elm and Pottery Barn. I also draw creative inspiration from viewing the art of other artists at (art galleries, seen in media, social media, feature films, museums, Home Tours, and art in corporations). I am ALWAYS looking for new creative opportunities.

How do you see the role of African American art in shaping and reflecting societal narratives, both historically and today?

The art of African Americans is important to the world. As artists, we have a unique opportunity, and the skill set to tell stories creatively. Whether it’s personal to the artist or pulled from the cultural or social climate of the past or present.

African American art is created as an additional educational resource of our culture. African American art is a window into the world’s past, present, and future. African American art is a source of inspiration that motivates the admirer to act. For me, African American art is an educator: It supports our history, reflects today, and inspires tomorrow.

Is there a particular piece of your work that holds a special significance to you? What makes it so meaningful?

The one piece of art that stands out for me is the piece I created in 1983 while in high school art class. It was a drawing of a big city vanishing point of high-rise buildings that I re-created from my memories of seeing Chicago skyscrapers. In that piece, I saw talent that I didn’t know I had. I was impressed. It wowed me. I was 15 years old.

What do you hope audiences take away from your art, especially those who may not share the same cultural background?

My current artistic style is abstract, which reflects my spirit. I hope that the people admiring and purchasing my art will be open to seeing what they want to see in it. I want my art to be open to interpretation, joy, and positive energy and offer viewers opportunities to create conversations about art.

As an artist, what are your future aspirations? Are there specific projects or themes you’re eager to explore?

My current and future aspirations are to continue stretching my creativity. Scale my art business, showcase my art in a few galleries every year, and provide my art to consumers through traditional and non-traditional outlets. Personally, I prefer non-traditional outlets), for obvious reasons. Currently, no specific themes I want to approach but rather explore new textures, material surfaces, and mixed media resources.

How do you personally define success as an artist, and has your perception of success evolved over time? I defined success as an artist.

First, if I like what I create, I am successful.

Second, did a person find my art worthy of their time, did they purchase it and appreciate my art enough to showcase it in their personal space and tell others about me and my art?

Third, If I still have the passion to continue to create art that is the best reflection of myself, then I am successful.

Fourth, as the artist, I want my art and the conversation I pour effectively into people to be a source of inspiration for people to best person they want to be. If I can do that, I feel my work and passion demonstrate success.

What advice would you give to young African American artists who are just beginning to find their voice?

I meet so many young and emerging artists every week, and I always say to them.

Never give up. When you doubt your work, know that you always will. Use that feeling as an opportunity to dig deeper and challenge yourself more. Always remember that someone else will see the beauty and worthiness in your work when it’s hard for you to see it. You must have confidence in yourself

Be confident. A strong, confident artist will never get in his/her way to be the best artist/person they want to be.

Be a source of inspiration. Aspire to inspire. You never know who is watching and listening to you. Your art, words, and actions might be the one thing that changes an artist/person’s life and career trajectory.

Never sacrifice your artistic integrity and worthiness.

Respect the work of other artists.

Support other artists. Take the time to share best practices and teach skills/techniques with other artists. If you do not share, you cannot receive your next creative success through selfishness. Most of all, purchase the art.

Creativity is the path to how you know yourself.

Most of all, be happy doing what you love.