Artist in conversation: Chad Kelsick
“Setbacks and blocks are inevitable but the way through is by just producing as much as possible. It’s all part of the process”
Chad is a contemporary artist currently deep in his BFA studies in contemporary jewelry in Italy. His practice is fueled by personal discoveries and social issues, which are transformed into physical pieces that he hopes shed light on the issues he considers important. His practice is a creative manifestation of activism.
| Instagram |
What initially inspired you to become an artist, and how did you develop your unique style?
The desire to create naturally lead me to making art, growing up art was a way to process difficult emotions that I didn’t know what else to do with, also my grandfather was a painter & screen printer. Even though I never met him I feel like I did through stories from grandmother, admiring his paintings that were all over her house and going through many pictures which allowed me to really appreciate his journey. The fact that he decided to be an independent artist in his generation, being on a small island in the Caribbean was a definitely a bold move. A big part of my inspiration is to honour his legacy. In regards to my style, it’s something that is continuously developing but I would say growing up on an island definitely gives me a interesting perspective on the world.
Do you have any rituals or routines that help you get into a creative mindset when starting a new project?
It is all about the feeling for me. The emotion I am trying to make physical or highlight is definitely the fire that gets me into a creative mindset. Music is a big ritual for me, arriving to my bench putting headphones in and exploring the connection with the materials I have on hand and the concept I am trying to bring to life.
Which social issues are most important to you, and how do you translate these concerns into your jewellery pieces?
Exploitation, discrimination and inequality are at the top of my list for sure. Translating these into pieces depends, I might play with irony or poetry for example which are very powerful communication tools.
Can you walk us through your creative process, from the initial concept to the finished piece?
My creative process starts out quite impulsively, I get all excited about a certain idea and then I’ll start investigating to see if it makes sense. Using mostly sketches, mood boards and prototyping. If it makes sense (to me) and is functional I will start making it. Deciding when a piece is finished is the hardest part but when you know you know.
Is there a particular piece or project in your body of work that holds significant personal meaning to you? Can you share the story behind it and why it stands out among your creations?
Currently I am working on a 8 piece series of houses which speaks to the aggressive gentrification happening on my island but is also a major issue worldwide. Each house is made of scrap metal ranging from copper, zinc, iron etc and are riveted together with brass. With a brass cage of sorts in the shape of a “perfect house” This series means a lot to me as I am speaking about my home, a fragile society and culture that is disappearing.
How do you incorporate feedback from critics and audiences into your artistic practice, and how do you balance this feedback with your own artistic intuition?
Feedback is essential especially when it is constructive and not just surface level and polite. I prefer to here why someone hates my work rather than being told “it’s nice”. It is always interesting because we all have different perspectives and what is in my head might not look the same in someone else’s. I try my best not to take any of it personal which is hard because i think for most artists our work is an intimate extension of ourselves. Feedback is just a way to gauge how the outer world receives the work.
How do you stay motivated and inspired despite any setbacks or creative blocks you may encounter?
Constant creation is the only way to stay motivated for me at least. Setbacks and blocks are inevitable but the way through is by just producing as much as possible. It’s all part of the process.
How do you feel about exhibiting your artworks with The Holy Art Gallery?
I am excited to exhibit my piece with The Holy Art Gallery because I think it will be a great experience and an opportunity to step out my comfort zone and put my work out there.
Looking ahead, what are your long-term goals and aspirations as an artist, and how do you plan to achieve them?
My dream is to have a successful independent practice focusing on objects and sculptural contemporary works. I plan to achieve this by staying authentic, focused on the process and honing my craft as much as possible.
What role does emotion play in your creative process, and and how do you aim to evoke specific feelings or reactions from those who view your artworks?
Emotion plays a big role in my creative process. Without emotion there is no art. I aim to evoke feelings by being as clear as possible with the concept but allowing enough space for viewers to have their own experience with the work.
