Meet Ryann Kelly

Today we’d like to introduce you to Ryann Kelly.

So, before we jump into specific questions about the business, why don’t you give us some details about you and your story.
This is so awesome and thank you for having me.

My name is Ryann. I am a 29-year-old visual artist from the DMV area.

I have always been fascinated with the arts for as long as I can remember. When I was a kid, my parents put me in every activity they could think of. Pageants, dance, sports, music….you name it, I was in it. However, it was my dad who planted the creativity seed in my mind. I remember him being into graphic design and he would show me how to do small techniques on the computer and from then on, I was hooked. But I never really explored fine art until I got to college. I studied graphic design at THEE BEST SCHOOL EVER, Norfolk State University …….#BeholdtheGreenandGold. The program was technically under the Art department and I remember my professors saying that before you can do anything on the computer, you need to learn how to do it by hand. Archaic as it seemed at the time (lol), it afforded me an opportunity to explore all the possibilities and mediums within the art realm. After years of experimenting, I found that painting is what I favored the most.

One thing I learned over the course of my life was how to be a go-getter. After graduation in 2012, I decided to see where my passion for art could really take me. I moved to the DMV and I started doing art shows, murals, live painting, paint parties and hosting gallery events. My brand was growing and business was going well, however, I realized that I was starting to lose myself in the hustle. So, I took a step back. I wanted to get back to what is was that made me fall in love with art in the first place.

In that time of reflection, I developed my style and my purpose. My art is a time stamp. I like capture moments in history. Also, I love to take quotes that speak to me and translate them into art. You can tell it is a Ryann Kelly piece by the bold colors and the subtle use of purple in the darker shadows. For the longest time I was only a portrait artist. For a while it was satisfying and it helped my business grow but once I started focusing on the message, instead of the money, I found that my audience connected with me more.

Today, I am working on two new collections. Both of which are super powerful with a great message behind them. As mentioned before, my art is a time stamp. One of my collections is a series of collages of images that I captured after participating in some of the protests out here in DC. The other is a collection based on mental health but seen from the eyes of a child.

We’re always bombarded by how great it is to pursue your passion, etc – but we’ve spoken with enough people to know that it’s not always easy. Overall, would you say things have been easy for you?
When things are good, they are great! But when they are bad….THE STRUGGLE IS REAL!

In full “starving artist” fashion, there have been times when I had to sell pieces that I NEVER intended to sell just to make sure my rent is paid.

As an artist, I think there is always a unspoken expectation to always be creating. I took a hiatus to get myself together and to regroup and, in that time, I can’t tell you how many messages I received asking where did I go and why did I disappear. The thing with art is that most of the time great work is born through some type of struggle or adversity. Let’s just say that I had to live a little in my truth before I could express myself to the world.

Another struggle has been to figure out where I wanted my art to take me. At some point just live painting and showcasing in galleries stopped being as fulfilling. The question I always use to ask my self was “what is the point of all this? I had to realize that, while I paint for myself, I never know how my work will impact someone else.

It took me getting out of my own head to rejuvenate my love and passion for what I do. It also, helped me to not worry about competing with other artists. We all (artist) have a story to tell and it just maybe your voice or piece or work that changes the world.

So, let’s switch gears a bit and go into the Ryann Kelly Creations story. Tell us more about the business.
Ryann Kelly Creations is a brand that specializes in oil paintings, murals, live painting and private events. You will be able to recognize my style through my bold color choices and the subject of my pieces are typically reflective of current events.

RKC events are like no other. I try to evoke the senses by using imagery, sound, scents and textures to give the audience a long-lasting impression. Also, RKC does a lot in the community with outreach. It is important to me to use art as a way to combat mental illness, more specifically depression and anxiety. I teach kids to use art as a way of expression in time when words do not necessarily explain how they feel.

I have been featured in various publications, won awards and my art has been showcased at some of the most well-known galleries. I currently have 2 pieces in the Trap Music Museum (Cardi B & Nicki Minaj)

Coming soon to RKC, I will be releasing my YouTube show where I will be teaching tutorial and educating about black art history.

Has luck played a meaningful role in your life and business?
I don’t really believe in luck. I believe that God has guided my path. Ever good and bad experience that I faced has molded me into the person I am today. It was through my hardships that I have discovered some of the most life changing truths. I believe that God wouldn’t have blessed me with this gift if I was meant to use it to spread good on this earth.

Contact Info:

• Website: ryannkellycreations.com
• Email: [email protected]
• Instagram: @msryannkelly
• Twitter: @ryannkellyart

Suggest a story: VoyageATL is built on recommendations from the community; it’s how we uncover hidden gems, so if you or someone you know deserves recognition please let us know here.