Local artist profile: Jess Keeli

THIS week we chat with watercolour and mixed media artist Jess Keeli, who most recently received the Emerging and Energised trophy at the Bendigo Business Excellence Awards.

What initially motivated you to become an artist?

I have always been creative. From a super young age I enjoyed doing all the arty and crafty things at kinder/school and with my family. But I hated art in high school because that’s when it becomes so structured and all about the analysis.

I just wanted to create for the sake of it, because I felt like it, and do what I wanted to do. I continued to create outside of school as a way of switching my brain off and having downtime.

I never really saw myself becoming an artist, hence the science degree, but in 2020 during lockdown my little art hobby/side hustle took off after a post went viral on Facebook. It wasn’t until after that happened that I thought that being an artist could actually be my thing. Two years later I finished my science degree, stashed the expensive piece of paper in my wardrobe, and jumped into being an artist full time.

How would you describe your style?

I would describe my style as semi-realistic native Australian flora and fauna painted in watercolours with mixed media details. When I paint my artworks, I do as much of the work as I can with my watercolour paints, and then I add all of the finishing touches and finer details with gel pens and fine liners to make them pop.

Which other artists inspire you?

I am very inspired by other artists whose love for Australiana really shines through their works, particularly Grotti Lotti, Paula Zetlein – also a Bendigo local, and Kate Marshall. Grotti works with colourful chaos that brings a lot of joy, which is why I am inspired by her. The way that Paula illustrates native flora, and Kate paints Australian landscapes, each showing the real beauty hidden in plain sight, is very inspiring.

What are some highlights you have from your career so far?

More recently, an absolute highlight for me has been launching Jess Keeli Academy where I have been teaching people to confidently use watercolours to create art they can be proud of. Since launching earlier in the year, I have had over 30 students enrol and seeing their progress has been so rewarding.

How can people check out your work?

You can find me on Instagram @jess.keeli.creative and @jess.keeli.academy as well as on Facebook under both of those names. My website is jesskeelicreative.com or if you would like more information about my online watercolour course you can find that at jesskeeliacademy.teachable.com.

I also like to do a few local markets as the weather warms up so keep an eye out for me around the place soon too.

What would you say to young regional aspiring artists who are thinking of making a go of the creative life?

Do it!! Being creative, in any capacity, is so damn good for your mental health and wellbeing! It’s a form of mindfulness and has so many benefits, which is why I am such a big advocate for creativity. My advice would be to take the pressure off the result and just focus on the process. Who cares how it ends up, just enjoy the act of being creative and with practice, you will improve.