Kelly Jay is a multidisciplinary artist living and working in Bristol, focusing her practice between paper collage and figurative drawings. With roots in Britain, The Caribbean and India, Kelly creates strong cultural links to her ancestors’ beginnings through symbolic references within her work; she researches African and Caribbean folklore and legends, alongside Indian patterns, stories and artworks. The cultural significance of her work is expressed through mysterious characters, real or imagined, who embrace mysticism and “a bit of magic” to bring them to life. These characters can be anything from mermaids to gypsy travelers, as Kelly is greatly inspired by folk and outsider art. Her work is an ode to her ancestors and her whimsical imagination to portray a sense of mystery, magic and performance.
“My work is about creating new stories. Like dreams, stories can twist and change depending on who is experiencing them. I enjoy the process of creating in a dream-like state, often imagining the works partially in my head before setting pencil to paper. ”
Behind the Work
“This series of works on paper is an extension of my art practice, which is influenced by my Caribbean and Indian heritage. When I work on paper, the playful patterns and compositions start to emerge organically. The imperfect nature of the cotton rag informs my relaxed and folk style approach to the work. Each work contains simple motifs and references to the figure that illustrate real and imagined stories. This work in particular represents ideas of reflection and identity.”
Kelly Jay, “The First Reflection”. 2022. 12 x 16.5 in. (30 x 42 cm - Approx. A3). Acrylic on cotton rag paper.
Learn more about Kelly and her work here.
Purchasing an Original Artwork
We work closely with our artists to ensure that your original artwork is securely packaged and shipped directly from the artist's studio to you. Each original artwork varies in medium and size, and therefore may require special instruction for the care and longevity of the artwork. We understand that purchasing an original work of art is a special investment, so please feel free to email us for all enquiries and added specifications about the work.
Certificate of Authenticity
Each original artwork is signed by the artist and comes with a Certificate of Authenticity signed by both the artist and the founder of Fount art.textile.
Shipping + Returns
As each artwork is shipped directly from the artist, please allow 2-3 business days after the order purchase for the artist to safely package and ship the work, and a subsequent 10-14 business days for delivery. For more information on our shipping and return policies, please click here.
Behind the Work
“This series of works on paper is an extension of my art practice, which is influenced by my Caribbean and Indian heritage. When I work on paper, the playful patterns and compositions start to emerge organically. The imperfect nature of the cotton rag informs my relaxed and folk style approach to the work. Each work contains simple motifs and references to the figure that illustrate real and imagined stories. This work in particular represents the start of a new day.”
Kelly Jay, “The Morning Sun”. 2022. 8 x 12 in. (21 x 30 cm - Approx. A4). Acrylic on cotton rag paper.
Learn more about Kelly and her work here.
Purchasing an Original Artwork
We work closely with our artists to ensure that your original artwork is securely packaged and shipped directly from the artist's studio to you. Each original artwork varies in medium and size, and therefore may require special instruction for the care and longevity of the artwork. We understand that purchasing an original work of art is a special investment, so please feel free to email us for all enquiries and added specifications about the work.
Certificate of Authenticity
Each original artwork is signed by the artist and comes with a Certificate of Authenticity signed by both the artist and the founder of Fount art.textile.
Shipping + Returns
As each artwork is shipped directly from the artist, please allow 2-3 business days after the order purchase for the artist to safely package and ship the work, and a subsequent 10-14 business days for delivery. For more information on our shipping and return policies, please click here.
Behind the Work
“This series of works on paper is an extension of my art practice, which is influenced by my Caribbean and Indian heritage. When I work on paper, the playful patterns and compositions start to emerge organically. The imperfect nature of the cotton rag informs my relaxed and folk style approach to the work. Each work contains simple motifs and references to the figure that illustrate real and imagined stories. This work in particular is influenced by the stories of Mami Wata - the water spirit.”
Kelly Jay, “The Myth She Was”. 2022. 8 x 12 in. (21 x 30 cm - Approx. A4). Acrylic on cotton rag paper.
Learn more about Kelly and her work here.
Purchasing an Original Artwork
We work closely with our artists to ensure that your original artwork is securely packaged and shipped directly from the artist's studio to you. Each original artwork varies in medium and size, and therefore may require special instruction for the care and longevity of the artwork. We understand that purchasing an original work of art is a special investment, so please feel free to email us for all enquiries and added specifications about the work.
Certificate of Authenticity
Each original artwork is signed by the artist and comes with a Certificate of Authenticity signed by both the artist and the founder of Fount art.textile.
Shipping + Returns
As each artwork is shipped directly from the artist, please allow 2-3 business days after the order purchase for the artist to safely package and ship the work, and a subsequent 10-14 business days for delivery. For more information on our shipping and return policies, please click here.
Behind the Work
“This series of works on paper is an extension of my art practice, which is influenced by my Caribbean and Indian heritage. When I work on paper, the playful patterns and compositions start to emerge organically. The imperfect nature of the cotton rag informs my relaxed and folk style approach to the work. Each work contains simple motifs and references to the figure that illustrate real and imagined stories. This work in particular is about recognising new, positive energy.”
Kelly Jay, “A Sign”. 2022. 8 x 12 in. (21 x 30 cm - Approx. A4). Acrylic on cotton rag paper.
Learn more about Kelly and her work here.
Purchasing an Original Artwork
We work closely with our artists to ensure that your original artwork is securely packaged and shipped directly from the artist's studio to you. Each original artwork varies in medium and size, and therefore may require special instruction for the care and longevity of the artwork. We understand that purchasing an original work of art is a special investment, so please feel free to email us for all enquiries and added specifications about the work.
Certificate of Authenticity
Each original artwork is signed by the artist and comes with a Certificate of Authenticity signed by both the artist and the founder of Fount art.textile.
Shipping + Returns
As each artwork is shipped directly from the artist, please allow 2-3 business days after the order purchase for the artist to safely package and ship the work, and a subsequent 10-14 business days for delivery. For more information on our shipping and return policies, please click here.