Mathi Kellen

SOTA Selective

Having always loved being creative, painting is a huge outlet of what I love to do. I often find I am inspired by what I see around me, and mainly by colours and shapes. I love creating peaceful and powerful work, something appealing to the eye. Something interesting which you want to take a second glance at, often due to the many materials, textures and mixed media combined in my work.

I am often inspired by scenes of people, as well as imagery of a neutral colour palette. I love doing commissions and creating a canvas for a specific space, colour scheme and type of look wanting to be achieved. I often tend to create very feminine, flowing works showing movement. What interests me is work that involves a process. I often feel that with every layer applied, the painting improves, until it is finished and one more stroke would be too much. The process of changing colours, adding textures etc, is all part of the creation.

My finished product is usually imagery of a calm and peaceful nature, something timeless and classic, with a modern twist.

biography

interview

What is your favourite film of all time?!

I would have to say “ The Notebook” . I just thought it had all the qualities of a great movie!
What music are you currently listening to and why? No specific artist. I love many different artists and genre’s of music. I tend to have a few favourite songs for each artist, all depending on my mood, and what I feel like listening to.

Which deceased artist do you most admire and why?

Pieter Van Der Westhuizen. I really like that his artwork is very unique from many other artists. I also love that it is distinctive in style.. You are always able to look at one of his artworks and say “That’s a Pieter van der Westhuizen” which is a great quality to have. He has also had a very successful career which is something I admire.

What is the question you get asked most frequently about your work and how do you answer it?

Most frequently : “What inspired you to make this painting?” The answer is usually something that I have seen which had great visual impact, and created an idea for a painting. Or a commission where someone had briefed me on a colour scheme or mood, and then that has inspired me on the idea, medium, texture and size of the work.

What/ who inspired you to be an artist?

I just generally love to be creative, and love to paint. I find it very relaxing, and satisfying once having completed something you really like.

Can you tell us about where you make your art and what, if any, the significance of this location is.?

Most of my art I make at home in the lounge.. There is usually no significance to the location other than the fact of canvas size. As I usually do large works, its where I can find a suitable space, and great light!

What do you like most about being an artist?

I love creating something visually pleasing, which can change the whole mood of a room or space. I think a piece of art says a lot about an artist, the space it’s in, and the people who surround it.

What are your plans for the coming year?

I am taking three months to travel to Milan, Spain, London, and France. Part of the time I will be doing some commissions in Spain and London. The other time will be a holiday break, before coming back and venturing into the working world.