Today we’d like to introduce you to Kennedy Holley.
Hi Kennedy, thanks for sharing your story with us. To start, maybe you can tell our readers some of your backstory.
I’ve always been drawn to creating, but my path really started to take shape when I began taking art classes in high school, which led me to study painting in college. After graduating with my BFA, I stayed in Memphis and like many artists, found myself working so hard to make ends meet that I drifted further away from my own practice. During that time, I worked at Stock & Belle for three and a half years, where I grew into roles that combined retail, fashion and curation – including curating art shows for their gallery for the last two years. That experience kept me closely connected to the creative community, even as I was figuring out my own direction.
Over the past year, I’ve made a conscious choice to return to my studio practice, exhibiting in local shows and joining the collective Ugly Art Co. Alongside that, I’ve taken on commission work, taught private art lessons, done sewing alterations and worked in brand marketing – using every skill I have to sustain and grow as an artist. My love of art has also begun to merge across disciplines. Most recently, I collaborated with the slow-fashion brand Beg & Borrow on a collection of hand-painted garments. All of these experiences have led me to where I am today: pursuing art and fashion consulting full-time, and finding ways to bring together all of my interests and skills to connect with my community.
Alright, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
The reality of sustaining yourself in the world often pulls you away from your dreams. For me, it’s been a journey of ups and downs – seasons where I was able to do more of what I love, and seasons where there was hardly any time for it. Along the way, I’ve had to make the choice several times to step back from full-time or part-time jobs, choosing happiness over money whenever I was able. And every time I got too far away from my dreams, they somehow found a way to pull me back.
A newer struggle with running my own practice has been learning how to wear so many hats: artist, marketer, business manager, teacher and more. It can feel overwhelming at times, but I’ve been lucky to have people in my life to learn from, and I’ve taught myself a lot along the way. It’s forced me to grow in ways I never expected. Now, I feel more confident than ever that being a full-time creator isn’t out of reach.
Thanks – so what else should our readers know about your work and what you’re currently focused on?
At the core of my work, I’m trying to capture feelings that can’t always be put into words – the warmth of the sun, the fullness of love, or even the ache for a world in pain. I use oil paint intuitively, letting brushstrokes and color combinations translate what’s in my heart onto the canvas. My paintings are very much about emotion and mark-making, a way for me to express what I experience day-to-day.
Sustainability is also central to my practice. I’m always aware of the waste around me and I try to repurpose materials or apply paint thoughtfully so I’m minimizing impact. That theme runs through much of my work, sometimes subtly, sometimes as the main focus.
What I hope sets me apart is the way my paintings bring the unseen into view. Whether that’s an emotion that’s hard to name or something in our environment that’s often overlooked. My goal is for the viewer to pause, feel something and take notice of what might otherwise go unseen.
What does success mean to you?
I define success as being able to spend my time doing what I love while also living a life that feels comfortable and fulfilling. For me, it’s less about reaching one specific milestone and more about building a sustainable rhythm – one where my art supports me and I feel connected to my community, my values and the people I love.
Pricing:
- Commissions start at $300+, depending on size and complexity
- Original Paintings are $250+
- Limited Edition Prints are available at kbhartthings.com for $60, $80 framed
- Limited Edition Painted Clothing Items from Beg and Borrow collab are available at kbhartthings.com ranging from $295-$325
Contact Info:
- Website: https://kbhartthings.com
- Instagram: @beggingforart
