Fine Arts Newsletter
Back to School 2012
Kevin Kelley: featured Faculty Artist Kevin talks about his art and the creative process behind “The Nerd/The Hero” displayed in the Hershey Center as part of the Faculty/Staff Art Show. What inspires you in the Creative Process? This piece, “The Nerd”, was inspired by Jonathan Borosky and his work “Dancing Ballerina Clown”. I get a lot of my inspiration from other artists. How did “The Nerd/The Hero” come about? I had created an interesting torso and wanted to move it into a complete figure. The assemblage of various parts and materials seemed natural. During this time I was working on propellers and beanie hats. What are your favorite materials to work with? Materials are just a means to an end. Different pieces require different materials. Some, steel for strength. Others may require cotton for a light, luminous feeling and so on. It is very easy to become attached to a particular material, so I like to explore possibilities. How long did “The Nerd” take to make? “The Nerd” developed over a period of a few years before the title was realized and the work completed as shown. Can you elaborate on the “confusion” of the title? The title is “The Nerd”, not “The Hero”. After painting “The Nerd”, I raised the piece up and saw it changed to “The Hero”. This seemed to finish the piece. Some may see it . . . others will not. I like the possibilities. I feel it is open to interpretation by the viewer. What is the greatest dividend of making art? A piece of art doesn’t look like art. Over time you continue to see more in the work, and it grows and stays alive for the viewer.