The cat is out of the bag!! New week, new release, new artist...welcome, Kellie Lawler! Countless friends and clients have mentioned Kellie’s works as some they they’d love to see in our collection - and when y’all ask we can’t help but answer. Kellie is launching her debut body of work in our collection this Thursday at 10 am and we are counting down the days until her paintings are live. Until then, we thought it would be fun to get to know the woman behind the artist. Learning everything from her biggest sources of information to what her ideal date night is. And this is just the start! We can’t wait to share more of Kellie with you! Her latest body of work will be available on Well + Wonder tomorrow 09/17 at 10 am., but for now fall a little more in love with Kellie by reading her responses to our rapid-fire Q&A Pardon Me, Kellie Lawler?...
What is currently on your nightstand?
My kindle, a charging station and my water jug.
Who is your biggest influence as an artist and why?
Probably my Dad. We would always draw together when I was growing up. He worked as a shoe designed for a little while when he was younger and has always been creative. He loved to create his own fun and crazy characters… sometimes they had names and stories behind them. I’m convinced he should have been an illustrator or a character artist. He always inspired me to create what makes me happy, and not to worry about how others feel about my art.
Tell us about your childhood. What is the most memorable moment as a young person?
I grew up in Baltimore, MD with my mom, dad and younger brother. My mom would get off work and drive all over town to our different activities. She kept us busy always trying new things. My most memorable moment growing up happened when I was maybe 7yrs old and my brother was 2yrs old. We were getting in the bath and my brother tried to get in accidentally with some of his clothes still on. My mom of course stopped him. I wondered why people didn’t get in the bath with their clothes on so they could wash their clothes at the same time. Anyhow, a few minutes into our bath, my mom stood up and got in the tub… clothes, slippers and all. We were shocked! She said she wanted to try out my theory and wash her clothes at the same time. I’ll never forget that. I knew she was my goal, the mother I wanted to be to my children one day.
If you could only have one supply in your art studio, what would it be and why?
Can I say two? A pencil and paper (or something to draw on). I feel like I create any vision in my head with those two things… depth, shadows, the appearance of texture, etc.
What is your favorite room in your house? Describe it.
Actually, it’s our lake house on Lake Wedowee. It’s about 45 minutes away, and we head to the lake most weekends when our kids don’t have a sporting event. Regardless of what else is going on, it is nice to escape and spend time together as a family.
What is your biggest score online?
Art, Art and more Art! I love collecting the work of friends and other artists that I admire.
What is the benefit of buying art through a collective? What do you recommend for those that are new to buying original art?
The variety and the ease of accessing it all from home! All different styles, mediums, and perspectives, all in one place. I always recommend buying what speaks to you. Don’t worry about where it will go, or what it will match in your home. You will find a place for what you love, and you will enjoy showing it off to others. I also recommend finding out more about the artist. It’s nice to have a story to share with your visitors about how you came to collect a certain piece and a little bit of information about its creator.
If you have the entire day to spend in an art museum, which one and why?
The Met!! I lived in NYC for three years after college. While, there are so many amazing museums in New York, the Met just has a special place in my heart. It was the first museum I visited when I moved to NY, and I was beyond blown away.
What is your favorite hotel and what makes it special?
I don’t really have a favorite hotel. As a mom of four, hotels mean close quarters with ALL the kids, literally on top of you! LOL! But I do appreciate any hotel my husband and I are able to visit sans kids.
If you were a lipstick color would you be red, pink, or clear and why?
This is a loaded question… yes, a simple lipstick question can be loaded! I personally am a neutral/clear lipstick gal. However, if I were a lipstick, I think I would be a red. I definitely have a strong personality, and I like to have fun.
I can never get on a plane without….
Water! My family and friends make fun of me because I carry around a gallon jug of water all the time. In fact, if I leave the house without it, we are going back for it!
How did you get into the world of art?
I thought I was going to go to college for art, until I realized I could get recruited for Lacrosse. Art and sports were just my things in high school. When I went to Brown in RI and played lacrosse there, I realized there wasn’t time for anything other than that and school. After I graduated, for years I wanted to start back up with my art. My family and friends would bring it up from time to time, not sure how I could just let it go, but I was scared. What if I wasn’t good anymore? When my kids got a little older and started bringing home projects from school, I would totally take them over. I was that mom, that didn’t want my kid to help on their second grade project because I had a vision! LOL! I left my job of 11 years before the birth of my third child because my husband’s job had gotten more demanding, and I started to feel a little lost. I needed something that was all mine, and so I picked up a pencil and started to draw.
What do you do to relax?
I workout. Doesn’t sound too relaxing, right? For me it is. I get all of my stress and anxiety and frustration out. Then I can be all the things I need to be for other people because I’ve done something for myself.
When do you get the biggest surge of inspiration?
It can be anytime really… I can see a photograph, a textile, be staring at a current piece and get a totally new idea. When I get an idea I have to drop everything and sketch it out.
Prediction for the Color of 2021?
Dark Green or Chartreuse
What is your idea of a date night? Dinner and a movie or dancing all night?
My husband and I are food people. We are also sport people. So wherever we can combine good food and sports, we’re happy!
Tell us about your favorite painting that you have created.
I don’t really have a favorite piece, but I love “Moon Bather”. I had a vision, a new idea, in my head for so long, of something I wanted to create but I just couldn’t quite pin point it or execute it. Once I painted this piece I couldn’t get things on paper fast enough.
One piece of advice for buying original art?
Buy a variety of different pieces. Different sizes, mediums, movements, vintage and new, etc. Build a unique collection that makes you happy and is fun to talk about with your guests.
