My work is a fusion of rawness and polish reminding the viewer that beauty can be found in unexpected places and in everyday encounters, such as a bird flying overhead, an old oak tree or a gritty urban street corner. These moments, initially captured through my photographs, emerge as the focus of the pieces. I then compliment each focal image with my shots of more conventional beauty, such as ocean sunsets and the palm tree lined beaches of Venice, California - my home that continuously inspires me. I layer scraps of aged paper, muted imagery and bold hits of paint for texture and depth. I tie all these elements together with stenciled words and clippings of found text that serve to open up the narrative possibilities of the image, telling stories of memories and dreams, love and heartbreak, achievements and expectations. I finish each piece by sealing it under a thick glossy coat of resin, adding a visual polish and uniting the varied elements into one cohesive work.

This work showcases my many influences and passions, ranging from music and surfing to my fascination with the grittier side of urban landscapes, resulting in a careful blend of classic beauty and modern life.

While my method is complex - using photography, found materials, paint, stencils and resin - my subject is simple: emotion. I don’t pretend we have all had the same experiences throughout our varied lives, but I do believe we experience common emotions. I strive to tap into these shared feelings to push viewers beyond merely relating to an image but to call them ultimately to feel something inside that is real.


Jay Kelly