I briefly met Kelly Ventura at Surtex last year and I became a fan of her work! She is a Michigan-based surface designer leaving her unique mark on the home, gift and children's markets with her fresh florals, playful prints and hand-painted patterns.
Kelly's watercolors are really lovely and unique, as you can see here. She has been licensed with modern brands such as West Elm, Minted, Create & Barrel, and more.
YOUR FAVORITE DESIGN/ART STYLE: I am not drawn to one specific style, but more to the color and textures found in each piece.
THE MAIN INSPIRATION BEHIND YOUR WORK: I am inspired by many things; nature, light, textures, color...it changes on a daily basis.
WHAT YOU REALLY LOVE, I.E. YOUR PASSION: I love that I am able to do what I love everyday, in a studio nestled in my own home. Close to the ones that I love most.
WHAT YOU DON'T REALLY LIKE: Math. Also, when my studio gets overwhelmed with stacks of artwork waiting to be organized and filed away.
A FAVORITE SOMETHING: My studio. It is flooded with natural light and is a really happy place to spend the day creating. My boys have a few boxes of their own supplies in the studio as well, so they love to create with me.
A MEMORABLE EVENT IN YOUR LIFE: 2014 was a great year. My family moved into a new home in a great community...a hunt that took over two years. My Surtex debut was a success...my husband and I left NYC feeling great about all of the time and energy we poured into the preparation. 2015 is going to be amazing!
A FUN MEMORY: The chestnut tree at my old childhood home. My sisters and I spent countless hours hanging out in that tree, collecting boxes of chestnuts and soaking up the mid-west summers.
YOUR CONTRIBUTION TO THE WORLD AS AN ARTIST: I have had plenty of great mentors in my career and plan to give back in the same way. I try to be as helpful as possible when new artists reach out to me for advice.
THE NEXT CHAPTER IN YOUR PROFESSIONAL LIFE: I am heading to Surtex again this May and we'll see what happens as the rest of the year unfolds. I have some really exciting product launches for 2015, so am thrilled to share those soon!
A HELPFUL TIP TO OTHER ARTISTS: I think it's really important to make time to create for the sake of creating. It's the best way to find your strengths and identify your weaknesses.
WHAT YOU REALLY LOVE, I.E. YOUR PASSION: I love that I am able to do what I love everyday, in a studio nestled in my own home. Close to the ones that I love most.
WHAT YOU DON'T REALLY LIKE: Math. Also, when my studio gets overwhelmed with stacks of artwork waiting to be organized and filed away.
A MEMORABLE EVENT IN YOUR LIFE: 2014 was a great year. My family moved into a new home in a great community...a hunt that took over two years. My Surtex debut was a success...my husband and I left NYC feeling great about all of the time and energy we poured into the preparation. 2015 is going to be amazing!
A FUN MEMORY: The chestnut tree at my old childhood home. My sisters and I spent countless hours hanging out in that tree, collecting boxes of chestnuts and soaking up the mid-west summers.
THE NEXT CHAPTER IN YOUR PROFESSIONAL LIFE: I am heading to Surtex again this May and we'll see what happens as the rest of the year unfolds. I have some really exciting product launches for 2015, so am thrilled to share those soon!
A HELPFUL TIP TO OTHER ARTISTS: I think it's really important to make time to create for the sake of creating. It's the best way to find your strengths and identify your weaknesses.
