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KELLIE JOHNSEN

Kellie Johnsen is an emerging, mixed media artist known for her authentic and sometimes controversial style apparent in all her paintings and sculptures.

Early life / career

Kellie was born and raised in a small town in rural Georgia. With both parents in law enforcement, her journey to becoming an artist was just like her – gritty and non-traditional. She is a big fish born in a small pond inevitably destined to grow beyond her modest beginnings. 

In her youth Kellie had an organic talent for art, winning art contests in high school. For over 20 years, she has been creating art for herself and is now ready to bring her unique pieces to the public. She has lived and worked in Los Angeles and New York and traveled the world as a professional model. While Kellie did not get any formal training, in her career she worked alongside professional artists, photographers, and stylists where she learned by doing and discovered her preferred style and process.

Kellie’s passion for art was reignited after working for artist Thomas Houseago at his studio in Los Angeles for over two years. She was responsible for organizing studio visits with major collectors such as Eli Broad and others as well as liaising with local galleries, museums, and local and international auction houses exposing her to both the business side of the art world and the creative process. 

Process, media, influence 

Kellie primarily works with mixed media on canvas to bring color and texture to any space. Her process is simple – just create. She never knows how a painting will manifest itself through her.  She starts a painting with an intention and in the process, it turns into something else, something bigger than herself infused with the energy and emotion surrounding her in that moment. Kellie gets inspiration from bold artists like Richard Ibghy & Marilou Lemmens and Damien Hurst. 

Present day / mission

Kellie is now dedicating all her time to expressing herself through art, her pieces are meant to inspire people to think for themselves. She currently resides in Ft. Lauderdale, Florida with her rescue dog Wilton. Her infamous Disobey trays are now being sold at Kitson L.A. Kellie creates in her quaint and cozy home studio giving her work an intimate and authentic feel. 

In a world full of chaos, corruption, and deception Kellie strives to embody the essence of artists of the past and what they stood for – freedom of speech and expression, truth, and transparency.  

As Kellie would say, “Be bold, be brave, be YOU”.