Meet Kelsey Fox | Abstract Artist

We had the good fortune of connecting with Kelsey Fox and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Kelsey, what do you want your legacy to be?
My legacy is something I think about constantly. This such a loaded question, and honestly, I don’t have a definitive answer. I wish I did—like someone would just come along and tell me what my purpose is, so I could fully commit to it. I think about it as a parent, as a friend, as a spouse, and of course, as an artist.

I think every artist dreams of their work having a lasting impact, like Van Gogh’s or Frida Kahlo’s, but I also know that my art may never reach that level of influence. That’s a tough reality to sit with. It’s an internal struggle between wanting to be the best and accepting that my work might not achieve that kind of recognition, and that’s okay.

What I try to focus on every day is making a positive impact on the people around me. Whether it’s through my art or just by showing love and support, I want to give my all to the people I care about. If I’m remembered as a good mom, a good friend, a good spouse, and a creative soul, that’s a legacy I’d be proud of.

Can you open up a bit about your work and career? We’re big fans and we’d love for our community to learn more about your work.
My work explores nostalgia, memory, and emotion using various mixed-media forms, including collage techniques, using science to create crystals on specimens, and abstract paintings. My collage work primarily uses vintage postcards that give the written words new meaning, allowing the ones who sent these postcards all those years ago a chance to speak to the contemporary world. These vintage materials have their own history and memories they bring with them, some of which are as old as the early twentieth century. The works create intimate notions in viewers by balancing design with ideas and their handmade qualities using historical materials. With my carefully curated objects, I create full narratives within each composition with additions of paint, gold leaf, and pastels. My abstract paintings primarily focus on color and texture, creating bold marks through a stream-of-consciousness experience. During the pandemic, I began diving into my creative practice, attempting to understand more about myself and make sense of the world at large. Many of my works have a dark sense of humor but always respect the materials’ origins. My crystallized skulls, bugs, and reptiles are a unique mix of science and art. I love not having control over how the crystals grow making every piece of work totally unique every time! My work is eternally inspired by the enchanted beauty, experience, and history of the world.

Any places to eat or things to do that you can share with our readers? If they have a friend visiting town, what are some spots they could take them to?
Honestly, I am a homebody so would rather be in bed by nine reading a book, but if I had a friend in town then living near Detroit is amazing! We have so many things to do in the city. If I were to plan a perfect day it would be something like this:

Visit the Easten Market in the morning for a coffee and perogies, yes, perogies for breakfast.
Hit up The Schvitz for a massage and a good steam.
Head to the DIA for a stroll and to indulge in my wishful thinking.
Pick up some sweet treats for the kids at Bon Bon Bon.
Dinner at The Peterboro because I love Asian cuisine.
Grab a drink at The Bad Luck Bar, they have amazing customer service and very unique drinks!
Then hopefully home before I turn into a pumpkin.

The Shoutout series is all about recognizing that our success and where we are in life is at least somewhat thanks to the efforts, support, mentorship, love and encouragement of others. So is there someone that you want to dedicate your shoutout to?
I owe so much of my artistic journey to my mom. She’s been my biggest supporter from the very beginning. Whenever I get stuck—whether it’s with a painting or in life—she always tells me, “Forward fixes everything.” It’s such a simple phrase, but it’s become something I lean on whenever I feel blocked or uncertain. She’s always encouraged me to keep moving, to keep pushing through, and to not get caught up in the moment of frustration. It’s advice that’s helped me so much in my work, and it applies to everything. She’s been that constant reminder that progress, no matter how small, is still progress, and that’s what helps me push through those tough moments.

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/k.fox.art/