We can never say this enough but it is such a joy to grow the Well + Wonder community of artists and to share them with you all. Adding a new artist never loses its excitement. And the launch of Kelsey Reynolds and her debut collection is no exception. After receiving her Masters in Textile Technology from North Carolina State University, Atlanta-based artist, Kelsey, entered into the corporate work force where her opportunities to channel her creative passions grew slimmer as she progressed in her professional career. Searching for a creative outlet, painting quickly became a way for her to find peace after her 9-5 day job. For the first few years, she used her skills as a way to help decorate her and her family’s homes; filling them with personalized warmth and beauty. Today, Kelsey still uses her medium as a way to escape the regularities of everyday life and to create individualized beauty for her clients. As we prepared for Kelsey to join the Well + Wonder team, we sat down with her in this creative space to chat and learn a little more about the person behind the paintings...Read the full interview in our latest blog post Pardon Me, Kelsey Reynolds!
What is currently on your nightstand?
I’m actually impressed with myself at how clean it is right now…. Iron Flame with a dog ear halfway through (IYKYK), my kindle and bible all in one stack. Then a few framed pictures; one of my dog, Bowser when he was a puppy, one of my husband on our wedding day and one of us when we got engaged!
Who is your biggest influence as an artist and why?
I’m influenced by so many things! I love researching and diving into classic artists; van Gogh and Monet are always at the top of my list. Lately, I have been intrigued by Josef Albers and his work with color theory. I’m also influenced by tons of interior and fashion designers.
Tell us about your childhood. What is the most memorable moment as a young person?
I spent majority of my childhood dreaming of becoming a fashion designer. Most of my memories are spent with my mom learning how to sew and dreaming up new creations after watching any and every Disney princess movie. She really encouraged me and my creative nature while always being up for the latest challenge I had dreamt up. When I wasn’t creating, I was spending the remainder of my time at softball or basketball practice with my Dad and sister or practicing for my next piano recital.
If you could only have one supply in your art studio, what would it be and why?
This is a tough one…I wish I could say I was naturally a minimalist when it comes to my studio and my supplies, but unfortunately, I am the opposite. I prefer to have a little bit of everything accessible just in case I need to pick up a new hobby at the drop of a hat! If I had to choose, I would probably say my colored pencils. Those seem like the best multi-use tool that would allow me to create a lot of different things with them.
What is your favorite room in your house? Describe it.
I spend majority of my time in my office that doubles as my studio. I have a wall dedicated to my work, three screens, a printer and my filing cabinet that helps me stay organized. And the other areas of the room are pure chaos! My drawing table is the center of the room, keeping all of my pieces off the floor and at standing height which is how I prefer to work. The last corner of the room is occupied by a huge antique cabinet that houses all of my supplies. It’s most often overflowing with packing supplies, new canvases and frames, but I try to keep it tidy and closed when I can!
What is your biggest score online?
Oooh, this is a great one. I think most of my scores revolve around buying and reselling antiques. I love to help friends fill their homes with the perfect antique pieces and source what I like to call “do-dads” for my sister who is an interior designer. Lately some of my scores have been antique mirrors, marble lamps and pieces of silver.
What is the benefit of buying art through a collective? What do you recommend for those that are new to buying original art?
Working with a collective is really the best opportunity for new collectors to get to know artists, their work and the types of art the like the most. There are so many resources Well + Wonder offers to their clients like educational bios about work and curated images for how to style and implement art into your home. Collecting art can be an intimidating and expensive hobby, but with the help of a collective you can make sure you are investing in the right pieces for you and your space.
If you have the entire day to spend in an art museum, which one and why?
I have always and will forever love The Met and their Costume Institute. I learned so much about the world through fashion and love seeing how the fashions of each decade reflect what was going on in the world at that time.
What is your favorite hotel and what makes it special?
The best and nicest hotel I have ever stayed at was in Lake Como while on a girls trip with my Mom and Sister. It was the first time we ever really splurged on a hotel and was well worth it.
If you were a lipstick color would you be red, pink, or clear and why?
I would actually call myself a ChapStick, or even more specifically a tube of Aquaphor! While I love art, fashion and a little bit of flare, deep down I’m a simple girl.
I can never get on a plane without….
My AirPods and my Kindle.
How did you get into the world of art?
I think my first real introduction to the world of art was while I was studying Fashion Design in college. I had some amazing professors who helped us understand the cyclical nature of art, fashion and culture through out the centuries. While I didn’t study art until later in life, I think my introduction to the world of fashion helped me understand how special being able to create is and was.
What do you do to relax?
Painting is my what I do to relax! I love to get into the studio after a long day of work at my full-time gig and let my mind quiet down.
When do you get the biggest surge of inspiration?
Usually when I travel. I was recently in NYC visiting a friend and came home rejuvenated after seeing the street fashion, art and culture New York City has to offer.
Prediction for the Color of 2024?
I think we’re due for a purple!
What is your idea of a date night? Dinner and a movie or dancing all night?
Dinner and a movie, for sure. My husband is a great cook, so anytime I get to sit back and relax while he makes a meal is a treat.
Tell us about your favorite painting that you have created.
I created a mini series of abstract landscapes after a trip to Europe and will always love them. I tried to capture the places that my sister, mom and I went on canvas so we could all have something to remember our trip by.
One piece of advice for buying original art?
Buy what you love when you see it! How’s the saying go, “you can never find anything when you need it”?? I struggle with this in most aspects of my life, and can’t ever seem to find the perfect item when I need it. For me, it works best to collect items that make my happy when I find them. Put them to the side for a while if you don’t have a spot for them yet, because I guarantee they’ll find their home down the road!
