Kelly O’Neill – Artist of Life

Passion… it’s that unexplainable sense of satisfaction and joy you feel when you are doing that which you were made to do. It’s what I experience when I am at my easel or drawing table. Art isn’t something that I chose. Rather, I feel that it chose me. From the time I was 4 years old, I can remember delighting myself in the creative process. I sculpted a tiny, intricate rose out of Play-Doh and presented it to my parents before I could even tie my own shoes. They knew then that I would probably be an artist one day.

My path since then has been paved with numerous artistic opportunities, one of which was receiving formal art training at Union University, in Jackson, TN. I had an art professor, Mr. Benson, who inspired and encouraged me to pursue a dream that few thought was possible at my young age: making a living as an artist. Though my heart longed to go for it, many of my peers and authority figures suggested that I take the easier route, and be practical. Practical meant getting a “real” job and doing art on the side. It seemed like a sell-out to me. In spite of the voices that sought to discourage me, I launched my portrait business my sophomore year. It took determination and perhaps a little naivete, but at the age of 18 I was beginning to live my dream.

Upon graduation, I was able to pour all of my energy into pursuing my art. I have personally felt God’s hand on my work for the past 8 years, creatively and financially. I will always be an artist. I will always seek to take raw materials and turn them into something beautiful that inspire other people. It is what I was made for. Thank you for allowing me to share my dream with you. Perhaps in the sharing, you will be inspired to pursue your own!

Click here to see a list of my recent exhibitions, published works, and collectors.