Ryann Kelly
~Visual Artist~
~Visual Artist~
Copa Style Magazine had the pleasure of sitting down with the beautiful and talented Ryann Kelly after a sold-out showcase event entitled Artpe Diem: The Heaven and Hell Experience. Even the venue, Big Chief, was a perfect backdrop to what many are calling the renaissance of visual art in DC. Let’s take a more in-depth look into the artistic life of Ms. Ryann Kelly.
By J. Nicole
Copa Style Magazine
Contributing Reporter
Copa Style Magazine
Contributing Reporter
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Copa:Tell me a little about yourself. Where are you from and when did you notice you had a talent in art? Ryann: I am originally from Philadelphia, PA. Being a Navy brat, my family moved around a little, but then we ultimately settled in the DMV area. We are techies in my family, so most of my life I was super interested in computers and programming. It wasn’t until I attended Norfolk State University, majoring in graphic design that I discovered my passion for art and more specifically painting. I had always been interested in art and filling in coloring books was my favorite thing to do as a child, but like many people, I did not believe that I could have a successful career in the Arts until I got to college. |
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Copa: For those of us who are a novice in the art world, what exactly is visual art?
Ryann: To me, visual art is the translation of one’s thoughts and ideas. Creativity is manifested through the emotion that is hidden in someone.
Ryann: To me, visual art is the translation of one’s thoughts and ideas. Creativity is manifested through the emotion that is hidden in someone.
Copa: Are you technically trained in art? If so, what school(s)?
Ryann: Yes, I am trained. I was a graphic design major in the Art Department at Norfolk State University. I studied painting, printmaking, life drawing, and ceramics.
Ryann: Yes, I am trained. I was a graphic design major in the Art Department at Norfolk State University. I studied painting, printmaking, life drawing, and ceramics.
Copa: Ms. Kelly, let’s talk about Artpe Diem: The Heaven and Hell Experience. What a phenomenal event! I was so proud of you as an artist and pleased that this was happening in our City. Tell me the inspiration behind Artpe Diem and what you were trying to accomplish?
Ryann: This event was meant to showcase not just angels and demons but more so social issues and the levels of heaven and hell that society experiences today.
Ryann: This event was meant to showcase not just angels and demons but more so social issues and the levels of heaven and hell that society experiences today.
Copa: That’s deep. I certainly believe that people were able to feel that in the ambiance throughout the night. You created a light and dark mood that emerged together in a unique artistic experience. Are you trying to fill a void in DC as far as artists are concerned? Talk to me about that.
Ryann: The artist scene in DC has been on a steady increase over the past few years, especially in the black art community. I wanted to create an event that would showcase the elite and would bring a next grown and sexy atmosphere where artists from all over can showcase their work. I am hoping to make Artpe Diem events the go-to program for "big-time" buyers and collectors.
Ryann: The artist scene in DC has been on a steady increase over the past few years, especially in the black art community. I wanted to create an event that would showcase the elite and would bring a next grown and sexy atmosphere where artists from all over can showcase their work. I am hoping to make Artpe Diem events the go-to program for "big-time" buyers and collectors.
Copa: As a visual artist in a very diverse community, what are you hoping to accomplish? Ms. Kelly, what makes your art different?
Ryann: I always say my art is a timestamp to what is going on in society today. I take my contemporary style and blend it with a very bold color palette to achieve my style. I am hoping to be a leader in my community by not only bringing my style to the DMV but to also use my platform to spread light on the importance of art programs in schools and using it as a tool to analyze issues dealing with mental health.
Ryann: I always say my art is a timestamp to what is going on in society today. I take my contemporary style and blend it with a very bold color palette to achieve my style. I am hoping to be a leader in my community by not only bringing my style to the DMV but to also use my platform to spread light on the importance of art programs in schools and using it as a tool to analyze issues dealing with mental health.
Copa: So, describe your art in words.
Ryann: Insightful, bold, dark, textured, soft and contemporary are words that describe my art.
Ryann: Insightful, bold, dark, textured, soft and contemporary are words that describe my art.
Copa: Beautiful! What can we expect next from Ryann Kelly?
Ryann: I have been studying abstract and street graffiti art as of lately. I would love to host a showcase that will exhibit these art styles. I imagine the next Artpe Diem event will be something dealing with that.
Ryann: I have been studying abstract and street graffiti art as of lately. I would love to host a showcase that will exhibit these art styles. I imagine the next Artpe Diem event will be something dealing with that.
Copa: I thank you for allowing Copa Style to peek inside the beautiful, mixture of light and dark that is Ms. Ryann Kelly. Blessings!
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~Copa