TO HAVE AND TO HOLD Sculpture

Kelli Kikcio is a multidisciplinary artist and designer from Saskatoon, SK, Canada, currently based in Brooklyn, NY. Kelli has had a decade long, full time career as a self taught, machine-free tattoo artist and has owned a tattoo shop in Brooklyn for the past 6+ years. Prior to tattooing she earned a Bachelor of Design in Fashion Design at Toronto Metropolitan University, eventually working as a menswear designer. Outside of her career, making and working with her hands has been a life long practice and priority. With over 20 years of sewing experience, Kelli has always had a penchant for pattern drafting and construction. Her shift from designing and crafting garments to objects was born out of her innate desire to problem solve and build. Kelli has been focusing on soft sculpture for over 5 years and finds that her audience is fascinated and drawn in by the playful, interactive, and soft nature of her work. She intends to re-imagine everyday objects in fabrics that are nostalgic, that call to mind feelings of comfort and home. Kelli’s pieces are versatile in regards to how they are displayed. As a lifetime teammate and collaborator, she wants her collectors to be playful with her work, and trust their own eye for how their piece could be exhibited. Her work creates conversation, and is a unique alternative to traditional 2D art. Kelli has an incredible and loyal following in the global/local tattoo community, and is now prioritizing her fine art career with aspirations of working larger scale and displaying her work in premier restaurants, bars, and hotels. She is very open to collaborating with designers and collectors in the customization of her work.