Today we’d like to introduce you to Kelly Schafer.
Hi Kelly, can you start by introducing yourself? We’d love to learn more about how you got to where you are today?
Hi,
I’m Kelly and I’m a visual artist and educator. I grew up in south Louisiana, went to college in Alabama, and have lived and worked in the Austin area for the past 26 years. All of these places, along with places I’ve been lucky to travel to, have helped shape my identity and practice in important ways. All of them have incredible culture, music, and creative, wonderful people who have influenced my life and work deeply. I am inspired by all those in all parts of the world working to make a positive difference.
Art has always been an outlet and a passion. An early experience of my first best friend battling leukemia has had a lasting impact on my life. The children’s hospital in New Orleans had a makerspace that we could meet in. Art was our healing, happy place…our way to process and communicate emotions. That concept of PROCESS over product has stuck with me, as well as the power of the creative process to bring us all closer together. I’ve spent pretty much my whole life following that thread and weaving it into my life’s purpose. I’ve enjoyed working with people of all ages- especially free-spirited kids- in hospitals, museums, camps, community centers, gardens, and schools. We work together to develop critical thinking and hands-on, creative problem-solving skills. I learn just as much or more from my students as they do from me. My personal art practice reflects my love of learning. Many of the things I make are a sort of research project- a deep dive into subjects that inspire me. Music is a main source of inspiration. Music, more than anything, uplifts me. This, along with wanting to express a spirit of enthusiasm, is why I chose to adopt the moniker “Amped Art Studio.”
I love to celebrate, appreciate, and further amplify support for local musicians. I also create abstract art about music. I don’t limit myself to music-related work, but it’s the theme that naturally comes up the most for me.
Alright, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
Well, I think bumps in the road are being felt by all of us these days. I dare say we are all suffering from whiplash! The state of so many things…all the things I just mentioned and truly care about- the arts, education, healthcare, kids, community, and more (our natural environment is another big area of concern)- are pretty much under attack right now. I wonder and worry about our overall health as a society. But there is still great hope that I am hanging on to, and I hope you are too! There have always been, and always will be soooo many examples of creativity and positivity and people with big hearts helping. Aside from creating art that aims to honor such positive examples, I’ve also been busy lately depicting symbolic speakers and amplifiers. I’ve been reflecting a lot on who and what gets amplified and heard, or alternately silenced, and why. Working on these pieces is art therapy; sharing them serves as a reminder that there is power in our individual and collective voices and efforts. Speaking up is important and we can make even more of a difference when we plug in together.
Appreciate you sharing that. What else should we know about what you do?
My mixed media works are meant to be visual love letters to people and things I admire. My mission is to celebrate, appreciate, and amplify!
I feel happy when my work is able to lend itself towards a greater good. For instance, last year the art I created to honor Clifton Chenier also helped to support a music scholarship in his name, celebrate the 50th anniversary of Antone’s music club, and welcomed new fans to the kingdom of zydeco. It’s lagniappe to receive feel-good feedback that my work has made a meaningful difference. As a teacher, I was encouraged many years ago to keep a “Smile File,” which for me means hanging on to sweet notes, drawings and mementoes from students, families, and colleagues- something you can revisit if you ever need a boost or reminder of purpose. I would like to start something similar as an artist. It is a lucky problem that I am starting to lose track of all the wonderful places where my humble art has wound up, and I’m so grateful to anyone and everyone who has ever taken the time to share a kind word. The ultimate compliment is when I discover that my work has been put on display somewhere special. I will always create art for its own sake, but when my creations are able to build connections and spread joy to others, it’s the coolest feeling ever. I hope that by being brave enough to share my own ideas, maybe others will feel more confident to share theirs too!
In terms of your work and the industry, what are some of the changes you are expecting to see over the next five to ten years?
Despite many challenges, the arts are not going anywhere and I think people will need to rely on them more than ever. The arts will continue to offer some of the most powerful tools available to us to combat negativity and bring communities together. While AI is reshaping some things and raising many ethical questions, I believe that “slow art” with all of its glorious imperfections has the potential to be seen as even more valuable. Minor flaws have long been a favorite aspect of mine- they are refreshingly relatable and can connect a viewer to the process that went into the making. In my mind, authenticity, honesty and love will ALWAYS be in style. And even if these qualities are underrated in a capitalist society, they are priceless from the perspective of what truly matters.
My wish would be that dedicated artists, musicians, and educators could be recognized for their true worth but that dream will probably remain a dream as it’s been for most of history. I agree with these words from Kurt Vonnegut: “The arts are not a way (for most) to make a living, but they are a very human way of making life more bearable. To practice any art, no matter how well or how badly, is a way to make your soul grow, for heaven’s sake. So do it.”
Thanks for the opportunity to reflect and connect, y’all!
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.AmpedArtStudio.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/ampedartstudio
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/ampedartstudio/
