Kelly Carter

Art is the way I communicate and seek to understand the world around me. When left to my own devices I would paint landscapes all day! That said I enjoy challenging myself with figure work and recently have been adding figures to landscapes. Most of my work is fueled by experiences gained in my former profession. From 2004 to 2014 I worked as a helicopter crew member in the Army. I was witness to some beautiful people and places and some not so much. As I paint I sift through my memories, often the end product is saturated, whimsical and dreamlike. On the craftsman side of things I use my carpentry and mechanical skills to my own panels and canvas stretchers. During the time spent not making work I can be found riding dirtbikes with my husband in some of the most beautiful places this country has to offer.

2018 Candidate, Bachelor of Fine Arts
Painting with a Minor in Art History
Southern Illinois University, Carbondale, IL

2017 Forthcoming: Selfish Need To Not Feel
Selfish – Vergette Gallery, Nov 27-Dec 4
Southern Illinois University, Carbondale IL
(solo)

2017 Forthcoming: Celine A Chu Awardees
Exhibition – Southeastern Illinois College,
Harrisburg, IL

2017 Paying Homage To - Soulard Art Gallery, St
Louis, MO

2017 SIU Purchase Awards – Art Alley, Southern
Illinois University, Carbondale, IL

2017 Critical Forum 11th Annual Juried Exhibition –
Surplus Gallery, Carbondale, IL (Honorable
Mention)

2017 Mixed – Media Exhibition – Art Alley,
Southern Illinois University, Carbondale, IL
SIU School of Art and Design – Vergette
Gallery, Carbondale, IL

2016 Weapons of Mass Creation – Surplus Gallery,
Carbondale, IL