SHINING LIGHT ON BEING HUMAN

Since childhood, Kellie Edwards has been curious about the universal traits we share as human beings: belonging, family, community, love, curiosity, memory, storytelling, voice, purpose and creativity. Core to her artmaking, is recognising that these qualities link us and through her expressive oil and pastel paintings, she shines a light on and celebrates our shared humanity, in turn creating a dialogue that resonates with the heart and mind.

Her artistic exploration delves into the moments of everyday living, the beauty of the landscape, and expression of womanhood through the female figure - the common thread that binds these genres being the all-important interaction of light with her subjects. This interplay no only enhances the visual experience but also evokes layers of meaning that provoke thought and emotion in her viewers.

Studying Art & Design full time at Auckland Technical Institute in the early 1990s, finishing top of her class under the tutelage of Nancy de Freitas, Edwards then took up a scholarship offered to her by the Auckland Society of Arts majoring in painting with critique from Sylvia Siddell, Ian Jervois and Sue Daly. Kellie Edwards' work has exhibited in national touring exhibitions and she has won awards in national and international art exhibitions. Two-time winner of the National Exhibition for Pastel Artists of New Zealand.