Today we’d like to introduce you to Kelly O’Keefe.
Every artist has a unique story. Can you briefly walk us through yours?
I can’t recall a time in my life where I wasn’t captivated by art, so naturally, I’ve always felt compelled to make my own. I’ve been drawing and painting since I can remember, but it wasn’t until I discovered my love of studying the human form that I truly felt my style came to fruition.
This realization came about during a time in college where I was simultaneously studying human sexuality and figure drawing the same semester. My fascination with anatomy and the undeniable intrigue of the human body compelled me to document it from my own perspective.
Please tell us about your art.
Most of my work is created with traditional media (oils, ink, charcoal), although my latest endeavor involves embroidery floss. In the wake of the 2016 election, like many others, I sought out a way to use my energy, talent, and time to support institutions I feared would be compromised by the new administration. For me, that outlet was creating and selling handmade, femme-focused embroidery that unabashedly celebrates the female body.
In December 2017, after a year of preparation, I launched an Etsy shop of cheeky embroidery pieces (appropriately titled Needle Nudies) with half of all profits going to Planned Parenthood and GirlForward (the initial launch saw 100% of profits donated). When studying the craft of embroidery and learning its history of being widely dismissed as ‘simple women’s work’, it felt rather ironically appropriate to use this medium as a means to raise a middle finger to misogyny and bigotry by donating a portion of my profits to organizations that empower and improve the livelihood of women. I’m sure most are familiar with the Planned Parenthood’s mission, but for those who’ve never heard of GirlForward, they do amazing work to educate and empower refugee women and girls who’ve been displaced by conflict and persecution in their home countries.
My hopes and my goal with this work is to encourage others to take action either by creating or supporting art does genuine good. Whether it’s art that gives back charitably, art that provokes meaningful, difficult conversation, or art that has the power to simply heal—it’s important to remember that there’s no wrong way to resist and to invoke positive change in the world around you.
What do you think about conditions for artists today? Has life become easier or harder for artists in recent years? What can cities like ours do to encourage and help art and artists thrive?
The art world is a crowded space, but I believe that having access to social media presents artists today with a unique and opportunistic platform to carve out a space for themselves that feels ownable. That’s not to say we should dismiss or abandon the traditional practices of in-person critiques, studio walk-throughs, etc. but social platforms are nice tools to have in addition to turning to your immediate (physical) community of peers for support.
I think Chicago does a great job of fostering a community for its artists, but like any city, resources like availability of brick-and-mortar gallery spaces, access to grants, and funding for art programs, specifically in minority communities and neighborhoods, could always be improved upon.
How or where can people see your work? How can people support your work?
My work can be found on my Etsy shop as well as on Instagram (@needlenudies). When it comes to support, there’s no wrong way to do it. If you don’t have the financial means to purchase an item from my shop— a simple like, share, or follow on my Instagram goes a long way. I’d guess about 85% or more of my online sales come from word-of-mouth recommendations, so never underestimate the power of your influence as a human on the internet!
Contact Info:
- Website: etsy.com/shop/NeedleNudies
- Email: Kellyroseokeefe@gmail.com
- Instagram: @needlenudies
- Other: kellyokeefeart.tumblr.com
Image Credit:
Headshot: Rena Naltsas
Getting in touch: VoyageChicago is built on recommendations from the community; it’s how we uncover hidden gems, so if you know someone who deserves recognition please let us know here.
