Kelly Angelovic
AQ is our series of hardcover catalogs celebrating extraordinary women artists. Available on Amazon. Visit the AQ Catalog Webpage to learn more.
AQ Volume IV artist Kelly Angelovic is a painter and illustrator based in Boulder, Colorado, who captures the beauty found in everyday life, even amid chaos. Through landscapes, still lifes, and small moments, Kelly uses oils, acrylics, and gouache to create art inspired by vibrant color used in unexpected ways. Her work has been featured in multiple publications, including Uppercase Magazine, Canvas Rebel, and Shoutout Colorado. Kelly's path as an artist began with a leap of faith, and she has since embraced her artistic journey with joy and passion, even as she navigates challenges such as imposter syndrome and creative burnout.
KellyAngelovic.com
What inspired you to become an artist, and how did you decide to commit to this path?
It was my very first illustration class. Taught by a rockstar designer revered for his gig posters and album cover designs, I had to give myself a pep talk, out loud, while sitting in my car before that first day of class.
“You can do this. Take a deep breath. And just get out of your car and go. You can do this.”
I had decided, for sure, 100%, starting around age six or seven, and persisting well into adulthood (I was 29), that I couldn’t draw anything more than a stick figure. My palms were sweaty, and I felt like I was going to throw up.
What the hell am I doing taking this class??
You don’t need to be able to draw to do graphic design, so this was way outside my comfort zone. Notably, this teacher was the first person to tell me I had an interesting illustration style. A spark was lit.
This was back in 2006, when I went back to school to study graphic design at the School for Visual Concepts in Seattle (my original degree was a BA in Business from the University of Colorado).
It wasn’t until 2011 though, when my daughter was born, that I finally started to take my drawing seriously. Needing a creative outlet, I would draw and doodle while she napped, and a whole new world opened up. I fell head over heels in love with the art of image making and I haven’t looked back.
I’ve actually only been painting for the past few years. For a long time, my work was very commercial and almost 100% digital. Over time, I’ve become more…analog. These days, I LOVE getting my hands dirty. My kids are always laughing at me, as they point out the paint that’s in my hair. Or on my face.
It’s been a journey to get where I am, and though there have been lots of highs, there have been just as many lows. As any fellow creative can tell you, the path of the artist isn't easy. It is, however, an incredibly fulfilling way to live a life. I can’t imagine doing it any other way.
Could you share the story or concept behind your recent work?
Much of my work is inspired by everyday moments. One of my favorite recent pieces is a landscape painting inspired by a photo my husband took while out on a mountain bike ride. I enjoy working from photos, and then adding my own interpretation and vision to make something that feels new and authentic to me.
What was the most challenging part of your path so far? How are you navigating this obstacle?
There is a lot that isn’t easy about being an artist. Imposter syndrome. Burnout. Creative blocks. The necessity of making a boatload of god-awful, ugly art.
The most challenging part though, is getting my work out into the world. If it were up to me, I’d hole up in my studio and spend all of my time painting.
To be a working artist, you do have to get comfortable with putting yourself and your work out there. Marketing. Sharing. Falling in love with what you make, and shining a spotlight on it so your audience can find you.
I’m getting better. Each week, I set aside time to share my work online, to apply to open calls, and try to get my work in front of more people. It’s not my comfort zone, but if being an artist has taught me anything, it’s about the importance of choosing to live a lot of my life outside of what feels comfortable.
What role does experimentation and exploration play in your artistic practice?
I get bored quickly, and I have a tendency to chase novelty (for better or worse, the jury is still out). I want to be delighted with each new piece I create, which leads to a lot of experimentation. As artists–and as humans, really–we are always growing. I hope I never stop pushing on my own boundaries of what’s possible.
Do you have any start or stop rituals before creating?
Before starting a new piece, I make sure to take some deep breaths, to center and ground myself. I’m not a religious person, but I’m definitely spiritual. So I send up a prayer of gratitude that this–that painting, is what I get to do. And I invite the universe to join me.
What message do you hope your art conveys to the world?
I hope that my artwork conveys a message of joy, and inspires my audience to notice that there is beauty everywhere when we stay present enough to look.
Share a mantra or favorite quote that keeps you going.
You are enough.
