Today we’d like to introduce you to Kelly Lever and Adam Russell.
Kelly and Adam, please kick things off for us by telling us about yourself and your journey so far.
Adam and I are life long artist that found a relationship between each other and discovered ceramics as a way for us to collaborate. This medium lent itself well to us, especially because we were learning it together. We originally come to Key West through an Artist Residency program in 2009 and very quickly fell in love with the island lifestyle. Soon after Adam’s month-long residency, we decided to make this tiny island our home. A place to raise our two children and pursue our art. In 2010 we opened Key West Pottery and have now had our gallery in Key West for close to 10 years.
Over the years, the island has contributed greatly to our esthetic and the subject matter of the work. Our work has become local in a sense, but one of the beautiful things we have found is that Key West is a destination for people around the world. Throughout the last ten years, we have been fortunate to meet people from countless different countries though Key West Pottery. Our art has become a connection point for us to talk art, find our common interests, and share our story with people from all around the world.
Can you give our readers some background on your art?
Adam and I are Ceramic Artist. We create a wide range of work from functional wares to fine art sculpture. Our work speaks an ancient voice with a modern point of view. Ceramics has been around since the beginning of civilization and has always held both a cultural role in society. It is the heirloom passed down for generations. Our work tells the tale of our culture through its color based reflections of our surroundings.
What responsibility, if any, do you think artists have to use their art to help alleviate problems faced by others? Has your art been affected by issues you’ve concerned about?
The current state of politics and world events makes us want to strive even more to cultivate and create a state of well being that is possible for all humans. Being an artist is an opportunity to bring peace, beauty, and well being to the world and to create a positive culture. Even on the most important scale which is inside individuals.
What’s the best way for someone to check out your work and provide support?
Our Gallery, Key West Pottery, is open seven days a week from 10-6 at 1203 Duval Street in Key West, Florida. You can also follow us on social media @keywestpottery for videos of Adam and I making the work, current artworks, and what inspired us. We also have an online store at www.KEYWESTPOTTERY.com
Contact Info:
- Address: Key West Pottery
1203 Duval Street
Key West Florida 33040 - Website: www.KEYWESTPOTTERY.com
- Phone: 3059008303
- Email: info@keywestpottery.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/keywestpottery/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/keywestpottery/
- Other: https://www.etsy.com/shop/KeyWestPottery
Image Credit:
Adam Russell, Kelly Lever
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