ARTISTS STATEMENT
When approaching a painting I am continuously humbled by the complexity of what I see, and pleasantly
surprised by the simplicity that is revealed through understanding. I allow myself to let go of the
boundaries and trust my instincts to lead me to something new; all the while savoring the wonderful
qualities of oil paint.
BIOGRAPHY
Raised in the panhandle of Texas and southeastern Oklahoma, Kelli Folsom's love of creating art began as a
young girl spending her free time drawing and copying other artist’s work on the floor of her childhood
bedroom.
"I always found drawing to be a source of peace and joy. It was not merely an enjoyable activity, but a
place inside of myself that I could go anytime as long as I had pencil and paper."
The inspiration she received from her grandmother's paintings and drawings, as well as other artists,
coupled with her inherent desire to create, planted a seed that would later lead her to studying art
full-time.
Kelli received her B.F.A. from Lyme Academy College of Fine Arts in 2011. She has also studied at the Gage
Academy of Seattle, WA and under artists Sherrie McGraw and Leah Lopez. In 2011 she was the recipient
of the John F. and Anna Lee Stacey Scholarship through the National Cowboy and Western Heritage Museum in
in Oklahoma City. Kelli's passion for the old masters and the joy she takes from in depth life study
strengthens her work as an emerging artist. Her greatest pleasure is being in the studio painting and
sharing learning experiences with other artists.
"This is how I choose to understand and explore this life and I am gratefully rewarded in growth every
day. I hope that others will be able to experience the beauty that I have perceived."