John Patrick Kelly
JOHN PATRICK KELLY
The unshakeable belief that all of us are here for a purpose, are equal parts of the universe, and have to use our time here to fulfill destiny is the driving force behind the creation of John Patrick Kelly's work. Patrick's sculptures and paintings combine fantasy, humor, and a deep, esoteric understanding of life into a visual potpourri that leaves a lasting impression on most viewers.
Born in Denver, Colorado on June 29, 1949, Patrick was raised by his Mother and Grandmother. His childhood was rather traumatic since his early attraction to art was not readily understood by his peers. While other boys were playing football, Patrick learned to sew, make quilts and pottery pieces, collect rocks and pretend to be an Indian. He began painting with oils at the age of six, and bronze sculpture at the age of 15; by then having become the youngest member of the Rocky Mountain Liturgical Arts Association. Between 1967 and 1970 Patrick visited the University of Northern Colorado, and the Rocky Mountain School of Art, not graduating from any of these, since the commercial slant of these institutions was far from his personal definition of art. He and friends opened Rasputin Gallery in Denver around 1972, producing mostly jewelry and a few sculptures until 1976. He emphasized his panting until 1995 and again included bronze and stone sculpture to his repertoire.
Patrick has had several shows in Denver, Chicago, California, Florida, Texas, and New Mexico. His pieces are in private collections both in the United States and Europe. In 1999 he was asked by Italian artist, Marco Santoro to share a collaboration on a cathedral door of bronze for the Basilica Pontifica della Madonna di Viggiano in Viggiano, Italy. He sculpted the six front panels of the door.
Patrick has made his home in Florida for he last eleven years. The environment of the studio he lives and works in is as bizarre as the mad, intuitive, and satirical fantasy pieces he creates. Surrounded by two wonderful dogs, Punkin and Butters, mannequins, stacks of books, paint, wax, and stone, and a life size human skeleton, Phoebe Ophelia, Patrick creates surrealistic, yet sumptuous worlds, allowing the viewer a rare opportunity to participate in visions usually confined to an individual and private consciousness. All of his images are created with a genuine respect for humanity and individuality with a light, humorous element, showing an admirable ability to laugh and to dream.
The unshakeable belief that all of us are here for a purpose, are equal parts of the universe, and have to use our time here to fulfill destiny is the driving force behind the creation of John Patrick Kelly's work. Patrick's sculptures and paintings combine fantasy, humor, and a deep, esoteric understanding of life into a visual potpourri that leaves a lasting impression on most viewers.
Born in Denver, Colorado on June 29, 1949, Patrick was raised by his Mother and Grandmother. His childhood was rather traumatic since his early attraction to art was not readily understood by his peers. While other boys were playing football, Patrick learned to sew, make quilts and pottery pieces, collect rocks and pretend to be an Indian. He began painting with oils at the age of six, and bronze sculpture at the age of 15; by then having become the youngest member of the Rocky Mountain Liturgical Arts Association. Between 1967 and 1970 Patrick visited the University of Northern Colorado, and the Rocky Mountain School of Art, not graduating from any of these, since the commercial slant of these institutions was far from his personal definition of art. He and friends opened Rasputin Gallery in Denver around 1972, producing mostly jewelry and a few sculptures until 1976. He emphasized his panting until 1995 and again included bronze and stone sculpture to his repertoire.
Patrick has had several shows in Denver, Chicago, California, Florida, Texas, and New Mexico. His pieces are in private collections both in the United States and Europe. In 1999 he was asked by Italian artist, Marco Santoro to share a collaboration on a cathedral door of bronze for the Basilica Pontifica della Madonna di Viggiano in Viggiano, Italy. He sculpted the six front panels of the door.
Patrick has made his home in Florida for he last eleven years. The environment of the studio he lives and works in is as bizarre as the mad, intuitive, and satirical fantasy pieces he creates. Surrounded by two wonderful dogs, Punkin and Butters, mannequins, stacks of books, paint, wax, and stone, and a life size human skeleton, Phoebe Ophelia, Patrick creates surrealistic, yet sumptuous worlds, allowing the viewer a rare opportunity to participate in visions usually confined to an individual and private consciousness. All of his images are created with a genuine respect for humanity and individuality with a light, humorous element, showing an admirable ability to laugh and to dream.
