Today we’d like to introduce you to Kel Brown.
Kel, please kick things off for us by telling us about yourself and your journey so far.
I’m an Artist, Illustrator & Muralist from Houston, TX.
I was born in Blue Island, IL but grew up in Spring, TX. I’ve been doing art professionally for about seven years now, but I’ve been into the creative side of life since birth.
A large portion of my professional career has been crafted and developed in Austin, TX; starting out in early 2012 as a street artist and steadily discovering my own voice/visual language as an artist. My formative years in Austin are an integral part of the overall philosophy, style, and tenor with which I approach my work today.
These days, I split my time between Houston and Austin, continuing to work on new mural projects, exhibiting new work, and more recently, running my yoga mat business–Eighty-Eight Yoga–with my family.
Can you give our readers some background on your art?
Historically, the overwhelming majority of my artwork has been rooted in the realm of abstract painting and drawing.
In creating my work, I desire to awaken dormant consciousness in the observer and present them with something they haven’t seen before encountering my work. Additionally, I hope to spark conversation, inspire new concepts, and facilitate the free exchange of positive energy and ideas.
Lately, I’ve been taking a more digital approach to things, creating mural mock-ups for future projects, as well as designs & illustrations for various items that I hope to release in the near future. In fact, the first of these items were brought to fruition this January when I decided to team up with my family and launch a yoga mat business.
Having both a small business background and a wealth of design ideas, my decision to start this business was the logical next step. All of the designs on our yoga mats are made in-house by me, and I hope to bring a more “artisan,” and premium feel to the yoga lifestyle.
I’ve honestly been enjoying the success and challenge of it all thus far; Balance is easy to find when you enjoy what you’re doing.
Artists rarely, if ever pursue art for the money. Nonetheless, we all have bills and responsibilities, and many aspiring artists are discouraged from pursuing art due to financial reasons. Any advice or thoughts you’d like to share with prospective artists?
Public Artist (www.publicartist.org) is a great resource that I use for finding mural projects all around the country. It’s both free and reliable.
The dollar isn’t always going to come from your art, so it’s important to have a side gig or hustle when things slow down, or you’re in between projects. Apps like “Steady” are a great resource for this.
What’s the best way for someone to check out your work and provide support?
You can find my yoga mats at www.88yoga.net.
You can find my portfolio and CV at www.88yoga.net/kel.
You can follow my journey at www.instagram.com/kelvy.
Contact Info:
- Website: www.88yoga.net/kel
- Phone: (512) 897-6443
- Email: kelvyart@gmail.com
- Instagram: www.instagram.com/kelvy___
- Facebook: www.facebook.com/kelvyart
- Other: www.88yoga.net
Image Credit:
SOLACE installation view – photo by Katie O’Connell
Kel painting mural – photo by Northern-Southern
All other photos by Kel Brown
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