Life at Open Heart Publishing

Today we’re talking with artist, designer, and illustrator Kelly Jacobi. She’s an illustrator for “An Honest Lie, Volume 1: Encouraging the Delinquency of your Inner Child”.

Kelly, art has been called a metaphor for life in so many different ways. How do you feel this sentiment is relevant to your own craft?

Life is very big. Big, expansive, intricate. My art is at times about things bigger than myself, but I typically create as a form of introspection. Which I suppose would count as a metaphor for a miniscule piece of my life, and upon being viewed, for a minute piece of someone else’s as well.

That’s an interesting way to think of it. How did you begin as an artist?

Crayon on drywall, much to my parents’ chagrin.
I have been interested in art my entire life. When I started reading on various philosophies concerning art in my mid-teens I began to feel involved in art. Learning there is no right or wrong where art and the creation of art are concerned allowed me to really explore my own creative voice.

And does your creative voice have a preferred medium?

My current fave is technical pen and ink, and my second favored medium is watercolor.

Kelly, what can you tell us about the pieces you’re working on for “An Honest Lie”?

At the moment I’m still working on them, but I’m really enjoying it. I love creating, and it’s fun pairing up with writers to create a visual representation of their work. It was interesting being given a snippet to illustrate; I look forward to reading the pieces in their entirety.

It sounds like you’re a reader, too. What other areas of the arts do you explore?

Dance. I have learned a bit of belly dance and am eager to do more. I hope to learn some poi, which would be fun to combine with belly dance.
I also do yoga, which I think might count as a relevant tangent to the arts if you talk to the right person.

I guess that makes me the right person. Speaking of which, do you believe in magic?

Yes, I believe there is something ‘otherworldy’ in our world.

On a more serious note, Kelly, have you ever considered suicide as an alternative to procrastination?

No.

Good. And what do you feel about quantum mechanical theories involving cats in boxes or rather sharp razors?

Sharp blades are always better than dull ones.

Okay, Kelly. Tell us about any other projects you’re working on.

At present I am only working on a personal health project. I am turning away from the life of sweet, luscious indulgence and am taking my first steps on a hard and unforgiving path of health and wellness. It is being chronicled at http://jettatura.wordpress.com. My art and design can be seen on my other two websites, cleverfiend and http://www.kjacobi.com/.

Good luck on your journey! I’m sure your journal will inspire others on the same path. Speaking of which, who or what has inspired you as an artist?

Within the entirety of my experience living, I would have to say Richard Serra’s larger works have had a tremendous impact on me as an artist. I hope to someday create an incredible experience for my audience the way Serra has with his work.

It sounds like you really admire him. Would you say you have a personal artistic hero or heroine?

I don’t have one hero/heroine; I admire all who create, who relish in their quirks and who embrace life.

Sounds good to me. Last question, Kelly. How do you embrace the delinquency of your inner child?

I relish in the small things.

You can read Kelly’s blog at cleverfiend.

Kelly Jacobi is a native Texan who was encouraged at an early age to explore her innate curiosity and artistic nature, often allowing her to disassemble old phones and other devices. She has been developing her craft since elementary school and continued to do so as her life progressed beyond those formative years.
Kelly continued her artistic studies at the University of North Texas and Brookhaven College, and completed her Associate’s of Applied Science in Visual Communications with an emphasis in Graphic Design.
Kelly has been recognized for her outstanding work in layout design at Brookhaven College as well as from the Texas Intercollegiate Press Association.
In her own words Kelly discusses her preferred mediums: I love tactile art and enjoy experimenting with various media on various surfaces. I typically put pen/brush to paper and see what comes of it, but do, on occasion, actually plan what I create. I hope to have a go at chemically etching copper someday.
Kelly’s plan for the future is a rather elaborate enterprise involving herbalism, art, music, coffee, tea, liquor and life as a gypsy wrapped within a sleek and stylish entrepreneurial package.
Examples of Kelly’s work can be found at kjacobi.com and cleverfiend.com.

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