Interview with Kelly Rose Adams (KRA) by Phil Anderson (PA)
Kelly Rose Adams in front of her paintings. Photo: Phil Anderson
I recently had the pleasure of talking to artist Kelly Rose Adams who I had saw at last year’s Artist Project. She will present new work in this year’s Artist Project in its new location at the Enercare Centre. Adams is spending more time creating art as a full-time artist having worked for several years as Kent Monkman’s studio manager, which she described as an amazing experience. She has been doing self portraits annually for 10 years now as well as painting her surroundings.
PA: How would you describe your art practise?
KRA: Lately my art practice is centered around using oil painting as a form of diary keeping. Rather than planning compositions in advance, I remain open to my environment, allowing small, meaningful moments to reveal themselves to me. I work primarily from photographs, often taken on my phone, which function as quick, instinctive acts of noticing. Painting these images in a realistic style introduces an opportunity for deeper contemplation. What was once fleeting becomes the subject of hours of sustained consideration. This deliberate slowness transforms documentation into a practice of gratitude, countering the numbing effects of our fast-paced existence.
PA: You studied at OCAD U and went to Florence as part of your program. Did you find the experience impacted your approach to painting at all?
KRA: I feel very lucky to have participated in OCAD’s now retired Florence program in the 2016-2017 academic year. The experience was like an 8-month artist residency, with a huge focus on being in the studio, working. I got to develop a routine there that I’ve been trying to replicate at home ever since. Some habits I picked up there are still present in my practice, like understanding the importance of scheduling dedicated studio time, and maintaining close relationships with creative friends to keep each other motivated and inspired.
PA: Do you have favourite spots in Toronto that you want to paint?
KRA: In my current body of work, I am only painting scenes from my everyday life that unfold organically. I end up painting streets in the Junction neighbourhood or my favourite spots like The Local on Roncesvalles because that’s where I’m spending my time. My favourite thing about my current way of working is that it helps me to notice small moments of beauty no matter where I am.
Kelly Rose Adams, Aftermath, oil on canvas,18 x 24 inches
PA: You mention trying to capture the mundane and everyday experiences in your work. Does that ever become difficult?
KRA: I have found that looking for beauty in the mundane is a habit you can practice, and it gets easier the more you do it. I began working this way because I felt burnt out from trying to invent artistic concepts when world events around me felt so hopeless. Painting the smallest moments of beauty even on a hard day helps me have the energy to not give into apathy.
PA: Would you describe yourself as an observer?
KRA: Absolutely! Remaining open to things around me has helped me feel more inspired than ever. Years ago, I used to think of a concept for a painting, then I’d go out to stage that scene in order to paint it. I am much more interested now in seeing what the world has to show me when I let myself observe and really notice things.
Kelly Rose Adams, Snapshot, oil on canvas, 36 x 48 inches
PA: How do you feel about the ways people react to your work? No doubt the Artist Project with its crowds is a good venue for feedback.
KRA: Even though I am painting things from my own life, I am pleasantly surprised by how often people identify with the things I paint. It is a nice reminder that in our most private and intimate moments our human experiences can be the most similar.
PA: You focus on yourself in your self portraits. Are you being reflective in placing yourself in your work?
I’ve been painting one self-portrait every year for the last 10 years. The 10th self portrait will be at the Artist Project this year! I started doing it to track my painting ability, but over the years it has become more about taking a moment for self reflection. With each painting I’m thinking about how I’m changing, and why I continue to make art.
Kelly Rose Adams, Self Portrait at 29, oil on canvas, 36 x 48 inches
PA: You paint portraits and urban landscapes of your world – any paintings of Newmarket?
KRA: I grew up in Newmarket but have called Toronto home for the last 12 years, and almost all my paintings are of the things I’ve experienced here.
PA: Are you excited about returning to the Artist Project? Any other exhibitions on the horizon?
KRA: I’m so excited to be returning to the Artist Project! Last year I met so many amazing visitors and artists. For years before I exhibited in the Artist Project it was one of my favourite annual events in the city. I hope to be doing the Riverdale Art Walk for the first time this summer as well.
Images are courtesy of the artist.