Kerry Armstrong, Artist.
You really can be assured that the woman behind Kerry Armstrong Art understands that life is a gift.
During a visit to her new garden studio (near the shores of Brighton beach) I discovered a woman as welcoming, spontaneous and lovely as her striking abstracts.
The 1915 home Melbourne artist Kerry Armstrong shares with husband Michael, between them, they have six kids and two very cute Pooches. Photo – Tania Savage Production – Martine Harte.
The beautiful garden is a rambling “paradise” which inspires Kerry’s work. Photo – Tania Savage Production – Martine Harte.
Studio exterior. Photo – Tania Savage Production – Martine Harte.
Photo – Tania Savage Production – Martine Harte.
Before moving into this home with a dedicated art studio, most of Kerry’s work was created from the family dining room table.
She’s super grateful for this new space and new chapter; as its been a confronting year – this picture of health had a brain tumour removed just six months ago.
In the months leading up to the operation, the fear was overwhelming.
“It felt like everyone just wants to sprinkle sunshine all over you – which is done with love – however it can become lonely when you just want to be honest and you’re sparing their feelings.
Sometimes I just wanted to say that I’m not coping with it and for that to be ok,” Kerry explains.
Photo – Tania Savage Production – Martine Harte.
Melbourne artist Kerry Armstrong. Photo – Tania Savage Production – Martine Harte.
Photo – Tania Savage Production – Martine Harte.
Kerry maintains that for her, the process of painting is often subconscious and it’s not until afterwards that she realises the story she has created.
Perhaps she taps into the ‘flow’ we hear so much about and occasionally the results overwhelm her.
“With the first piece of the “Just Before Sleep’ series, I noticed once the piece was completed that there was a vulnerable little face in the top right hand corner of the canvas. Immediately I realised that was me, just before sleep when I was at my most vulnerable point each day in the lead up to the operation.”
Photo – Tania Savage Production – Martine Harte.
Photo – Tania Savage Production – Martine Harte.
As many of us have discovered throughout our own personal journey, life is yin and yang.
Despite health issues she has also been incredibly fortunate to enjoy great commercial success, exhibiting in the US at LiquidArtHouse in Boston, Becker Minty, Tusk Gallery and Cooks Hill Gallery.
“The greatest joy has been understanding through my art I do have a voice and it’s such a privilege to enjoy such an all-consuming passion. You just meet the most beautiful people through the art world, my clients very often become friends and it’s just so lovely,” she adds.
Photo – Tania Savage Production – Martine Harte.
ADVICE TO ASPIRING ARTISTS
Many readers come to Engaging Women to learn how to forge their own path, and make an impact so what’s Kerry’s best advice to others with an artistic dream?
“Strive to use the absolute best in materials, it makes a massive difference. Also to find your own art voice don’t be tempted to take on board the influence of others. Find your own voice and push it so hard you break it.”
Photo – Tania Savage Production – Martine Harte.
Baby paintings, keys, flowers and bibs and bobs greet visitors in the family’s “favourite little nook” Photo – Tania Savage Production – Martine Harte.
Photo – Tania Savage Production – Martine Harte.
The next exciting chapter includes styling her new family home, a collaboration with designer Aurelio Costarella and she’s continuing to expand her limited editions print range.
It’s an entrepreneurial approach: producing them from her bespoke home studio.
“It’s been two years since I left the corporate world there’s still a little yearning at times to step back into the boardroom and to that end we’ve made substantial investment in creating a bespoke art reproduction studio.” Kerry explains.
One thing’s for sure: she’ll continue to push her voice so hard she breaks it.
Photo – Tania Savage Production – Martine Harte.
Captured beautifully by Tania Savage.
Join me in wishing Kerry a future filled with good health and continued success; her attitude is an absolute inspiration.
HOOK UP WITH KERRY ARMSTRONG AUSTRALIAN ARTIST:
Connect with her and buy her art by tapping here
Learn more about how to win one of her amazing fine art prints: tap, tap here.