Re-posting an interview with Sally Kelly, an artist and architect who paints when the children go to sleep.
Decor-Art: Sally, please tell us the story how you became an artist – it seems everything started rather unexpectedly?
Sally Kelly: Yes, it really did! I have always loved art… got an A grade in my ‘O’ Level and went on to do an ‘A’ Level at college. It was always my favorite and best subject at School. Being a Mum of 2 primary age kids I hadn’t done any artwork myself for years, only things with the kids. When I bought some canvasses and acrylic paints for them use just over a year ago I suddenly had the urge to join in and have a go myself. This was a medium I had never used before as a student and immediately fell in love with it! I have not looked back.
DA: You are a qualified architect and therefore you must have encountered Art in lots of forms while training for your profession, did you think at the time that maybe you’re going down the wrong path?
SK: Never, sometimes, always! Depends what mood I’m in and what challenges I’m facing at the time. I love Architecture and would aspire to be a great Architect, however, the reality of the profession is that much of what you do is not about design but about administration, contracts and management. Not quite as creative as I thought when I was studying! But rewarding in different ways.
DA: Architecture or Art? Which would you say gives more pleasure?
SK: Both! My dream holiday would be in somewhere like Rome – surrounded my great architecture and art. I lived in London whilst I studied for my first Architecture degree and I fell in love with Bankside Power Station – it was the most beautiful structure I had ever seen – completely awe inspiring – moving. Years later Bankside was converted to become the Tate Modern – Architecture and Art are so very closely intertwined! Both give me goose bumps.
DA: You’re a mother of two, how do you manage to find time for painting? Do you have certain hours when no one is allowed to disturb you?
SK: You must be joking! I can only paint when all is quiet and everyone is in bed… I usually paint between 10 -12pm at night. I wish I had more time, but I take what I have. It’s my unwind time.
You can read the interview in entirety at Decor-Art.
