I first met Kelly at one of Shawna Moore's art salons in Whitefish, Montana a few years ago where we were discussing Elizabeth Gilbert's book, Big Magic: Creative Living Beyond Fear.

It was fantastic because there was this diverse group of women talking about creativity, fear, persistence, courage, art, music, writing all being spurred on by the words of Elizabeth Gilbert.

“Do whatever brings you to life, then. Follow your own fascinations, obsessions, and compulsions. Trust them. Create whatever causes a revolution in your heart.”
― Elizabeth Gilbert :: Big Magic

When I was introduced to Kelly, I'm sure I asked her some small chit-chat conversation starter question like; " So, what do you do? "

But in retrospect, I think a better question to ask her would be; " So, what don't you do? " because this talented woman leaves no stone unturned.

Artist. Musician. Surfer. Muralist. Long boarder. Skater Babe. Snowboarder. Daydreamer.

Kelly is the true example of living her life creatively.

What did you daydream about when you were a kid?

When I was a child and still now I dreamt of art I could make, music I could play or dance to, being an extreme sports athlete and more art I could create. 🙂

What is your favorite thing about your studio or workspace?

My studio space is my sacred place where I can make all the mistakes, and get all the ideas out I can without judgement from anyone else but myself.

Even if a painting or technique doesn’t turn out and make it to the final work, it was a moment for me and just me.

What have been some of the greatest challenges in your career?

Some of my main challenges in my career are balancing production and marketing.

What does success mean to you?

Pushing my artwork and impressing myself. Success is more of a feeling than a tangible thing.

Also, I do love a good breakthrough!

How do you deal with self doubt or insecurity?

I deal with self doubt and insecurity by throwing myself into my work.

I’m so lucky I get to express myself at my job!

Who or What inspires you?

My friends that work hard inspire me. It takes a lot of energy to own a small buisness and I appreciate hard work and dedication.

I’m inspired by everything though, everyone and everything.

Life is a magical thing.

What advice has been the most helpful in your life?

Some advice from my dad, Never Grow Up

Tell me about a failure that you learned from?

One time my finished work got glued to a metal shelf. I was so bummed. But I began working more and moving more pieces through.

The more work I made, the less attached I was to the outcome.

There are countless ways to create a piece and countless ways to interpret art, I try to let many ideas happen and know there are many ways, this is just one.

Tell Me - Why you do What you do?

I do what I do because I am an artist and I am pulled to do so, through curiosity and intuition.

Art has always been my favorite language.

Share with me your favorite song, book or quote that inspires you.

“Be yourself. Everyone else is already taken.” - Oscar Wilde

Name 1 or 2 women who you admire?

I admire my friend who is a full time mom and full time student and my fellow female surfers and sports enthusiasts, send it!

If you could look back and give yourself some advice as you were starting out, what would it be?

Advice to myself at the beginning would be, brand yourself, produce the work, enjoy the process, learn from mistakes and move on! Market yourself, keep moving forward, always experiment, keep dreaming, keep the fire going and move towards what is fun and easy!

Check out more Kelly West Art on her website or follow her on her Instagram page. 

You can also find Kelly's work at The Walking Man Gallery in Whitefish as well as Coastal Arts Center of Orange Beach, Alabama.