OLT is displaying the artwork of Laura Kelly, a talented Ottawa artist currently showing her artwork in the Janigan Studio.
How are you affiliated with OLT?
I am one of the set painters for the OLT– painting anything from bricks on the buildings, roofs, adding texture to props, or tiles on the floor. I work alongside Carolyn Borer from Roll up Her Sleeves. It’s been such a great experience to apply my knowledge of painting and technique from school to the set builds. The most recent production I worked on is Hilda’s Yard, which I recently saw. You can find production process videos on my instagram @artlaurakelly
What is your favourite piece of art?
My favourite piece of art that I completed is the recent one that I did this year during school. I travelled to Montreal to capture photos of Elliot Maginot, a Canadian musician. I went in knowing that I wanted to capture the excitement of the moments before the show and was lucky enough to go backstage to take pictures for his album launch concert. Maginot kept being greeted by friends and musicians throughout the night. He could often be spotted under his dressing room doorframe. I chose to paint him in this pose because it captured his personality and the memory that I had of the night. I paid close attention to the perspective and small details like the checkered pattern of his suit, the gold accents on the door, and so many more elements that stand out the longer that you look at it.
“I’m constantly inspired by people and other artists. For me, art captures our life experiences and outlives us.”
When did you first start painting?
I first started painting at 11 years old. My parents gifted me a painting set for Christmas and it was love at first sight. From then on, I’ve continuously worked hard to improve as an artist.
What inspires you?
I’m constantly inspired by people and other artists. For me, art captures our life experiences and outlives us. So, visiting museums is where I feel most inspired to continue to push myself as an artist and steal techniques that have been in practice for centuries.
What “aim” or goal do you have when you do your art?
My goal is to feel something when looking at the final artwork. Whether I achieve that by exploring a loose style to convey more of a feeling rather or look, or a traditional-detailed style to capture a specific moment or event in time.
Do you have any other stories to share about your art?
Art is a big part of who I am. Anyone who knows me knows that everything I own is practically covered in paint. It’s an easy identifier when sorting out phone chargers, or pants. I always welcome new opportunities as an artist and feel lucky to be able to connect with others through my work.
