Kelly Williams
Kelly Williams
Kelly Williams' background in social work influences both her art and teaching style, often incorporating a psychological perspective. She serves as an Artist Instructor for R&F Handmade Paints, teaching group and private sessions from her Portland, Oregon studio, and is an instructor for the Painting with Fire online masterclass program. She has received several regional awards and grants from esteemed institutions such as the Ford Family Foundation, the Oregon Arts Commission, and the Regional Arts & Culture Council. The latter enabled her to develop community projects aimed at bringing art to disenfranchised populations. A regular presenter and workshop instructor at the International Encaustic Conference in Provincetown, she has also presented at International Encaustic Artists' annual retreats, including the Celtic Convergence Retreat in Ireland. She has spoken on the state of the arts at Portland City Hall and has been interviewed in multiple publications and broadcasts about art as a healing method. Williams was an artist instructor at the Arts & Communication Magnet Academy and served on the educational committee of the Sitka Arts & Ecology Center and the board of Portland Open Studios. Her work has been exhibited internationally, including at Essence of Mulranny and Olive Stack Gallery in Ireland, and nationally at the Museum of Encaustic Art, Provincetown Art Museum, Portland Center Stage, Portland Center for the Performing Arts, George Fox, and Oregon State University. Her work is included in many corporate and private collections and is currently represented by Pearl Gallery in Portland, OR.
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You can view Kelly’s work at:
Class Details
Erotic Saints; Personal Narrative and Social Commentary
Through the use of multiple techniques, materials and tools I will walk you through how I create the pieces from my ‘Erotic Saint’ series. These pieces are more than sexy and fun, but a witty social commentary full of meaning. What do you have to say about the roles of women, sexuality and cultural constructs? Use ideas gathered from the intentional content workshop to infuse your piece with imagery and symbolic narrative elements to make it uniquely yours.
Intentional Content: Infused Meaning
Through a combination of reflection, inspiration and organization participants will refine their ability to perceive and articulate their unique visual language, enhancing their work with meaningful content that resonates on a deeper level. The course also delves into innovative techniques for embedding non-visual elements into art, creatively using materials and tools to amplify narrative and emotional depth. Additionally, we'll explore the dual role of digital platforms like Pinterest and Instagram, which can serve not only as wellsprings of inspiration or, at times, sources of distraction and comparison but also as potent instruments for structuring ideas and deciphering our artistic inclinations.. We'll look at how to use these platforms to collect and organize images and concepts that spark our interest, helping us see patterns in what inspires us. This approach not only fosters a rich source of unique material but also ensures the creation of intentional, meaningful art that maintains a professional caliber. Through this course, artists will unlock new pathways to infuse their work with intentional content and personal significance, connecting more authentically with their audience and elevating their artistic expression.
