I am completely fascinated and inspired by other artists, and I love finding out about their creative process.

Let me introduce you to Kelli Larson. She is the Head Designer for Jedidiah Clothing, and she has tons of other amazing outlets for her work as well. You can visit her etsy store athttp://www.etsy.com/shop/KelliMurrayArt and her blog at http://www.kellimurray.com/news/. Kelli also does commission work here and there, including custom illustrations of brides and grooms for save-the-dates or wedding invitations (darling!).

If you’re in the San Diego area, Kelli has a show coming up on June 12, so you can check out her work live and support her and a number of other artists.

The show is put on by SEZIO at the Subtext Gallery, and each artist will be painting on hand-crafted 12×12 birch panels (sounds amazing!).

Artists Include: Kelsey Brookes, Pamela Jaeger, Mike Maxwell, Know Hope, Morgan Blair, Kelli Murray, Exist 1981, Diana Sudyka, Jolby, Andrew Heine, Erik Otto, DJ Brelje, Knorphus Zortorch, Eric Taggart, Kevin Taylor, Alberto Fregoso Gafford, Dustin Ortiz, Brad Kester, David Adey, Matt Stallings, Alyson Fox, Justin Skeesuck, Austin McCormick, Taylor Dunfee, Wes Bruce, GrandLarsen and Tocayo.

I asked Kelli some questions about her art-story . . . enjoy!

LT: How did you get into art?

KL: For as long as I can remember, I have always loved to “create” in one form or another. Drawing, sewing, craft projects, fashion….I loved it all.  But it wasn’t until after college (FIDM) while working as a fashion designer and graphic artist that art really took hold of me.  A co-worker, who came from a background in graffiti and street art, encouraged me to pick up the paint brush and take what I knew I knew in graphic design and illustration to the next level.  First inspired by street artists like Fafi and Miss Van, I tried to develop a style of my own.  From that point on, I just couldn’t stop painting.  My art has definitely developed over time and my hope is that I never stop learning and growing as an artist.

LT: What inspires you?

KL: people / emotion / nature / art books and blogs / fashion / music. One thing specifically that might inspire me the most is the simple encouragement of others.  Knowing that my art has effected someone else inspires me all the more to keep creating.

LT: In your opinion, what makes a good artist?

KL: There are a thousand ways I could describe a good artist, but I think I am most drawn to art that speaks to me or evokes some sort of emotion or thought.  Good art can be a matter of a good concept or incredible artistic talent, but I think GREAT art touches the mind, heart or soul of the viewer.  This could come in many forms and styles.

LT: Walk us through your creative process.

KL: First, I need an inspiration…and that could come from literally anywhere.  Nature, a person, a book, a song, an image I stumble across on the internet.  In that moment of inspiration I usually jot down or bookmark what I see.  From the inspiration I move to a sketch, and then to the canvas (or often times computer if it is a graphic design I am creating).  Now begins a big blur of trial and error until I reach a point where I am happy with the outcome.

LT: What would you say to someone who wants to be more creative and expressive, but feels insecure about his/her skills?

KL: I was once that girl.  Shy, insecure, and afraid that no one would like what I did.  I guess it was just a matter of realizing that art is what I LOVED…and I wanted to do it for simply that reason alone. Not to fit a mold or to make a sale.  Just keep creating and don’t get discouraged.  Art is an ever evolving process.  You might be surprised at the number of people that might appreciate it.

I especially love the following from this interview:

1. Kelli’s comments about the creative process involving some trial and error (very much relate to that)

2. Finding inspiration in graffiti

3. Her comparison of “good” art and “great” art

4. Everything she said in response to the final question

A special thanks to Kelli for inspiring us all with the beauty she creates.

Now it’s your turn . . . Have you created anything lately? A good meal. A vegetable garden. A scrapbook. A piece of jewelry. A poem. A photograph. How does creating make you feel?

Here’s a sample of Kelli’s work . . . fabulous!