The Art Star concept has little to do with dedication or talent, but rather in who your connections are in the world. I choose to play with this truth, confront the issue of fame and importance in the art world by blatantly asking the taboo question; "Can you make me an Art Star?" In jokingly appointing myself as an Art Star from Baltimore I have had the privilege of being labeled narcisstic, arrogant, ballsy, charming, talented, charismatic and idealistic. Titles in which contain the same contradictory ingredients found in Baltimore City itself.
I love Baltimore. Its characters are exciting, insanely talented, diverse and exaggerated. The city knows the bravado of fortune and the agony of losing it all. This is exactly what my life here has been like. Baltimore has torn me apart and put me back together more times than I can count. It has challenged everything I think about myself and the world.
I joined the eccentric land of charm city by hitchhiking in 1994 backed with a 9th grade education, midwestern and southern, punk rock and hippie roots. I was fully immersed in alcohol and heroin addiction patiently awaiting my certain demise. I fell homeless in this town of extremes and, as i turned my will over to the care of the streets, the biggest gift of my life was about to take place. It came in the form of recovery from chemical dependency. My life started over and began taking shape with the hope of a brighter future.
Blessed with a then unidentified set of balls, and the naive freedom of the unschooled, I whisked around this town collecting stories and inspiration for new creative ideas. Self made, self taught, self confident,and a shameless self promoter, I am the luckiest person I know. I owe everything to the city and its people who gave me a chance, taught me about art and saved my life in the process. For them I collect and manically create. Among them I thrive, with them I survive.
As far as I am concerned Baltimore is the east coasts best kept secret and I appreciate it being overlooked by larger, shinier metropolitan cities. My work represents the boisterous synergy of life here and the darker sensibilities and humor it brings. I currently create art, own a decorative painting business, spend my spare time riding a bicycle, raising dogs and desperately trying to keep my house clean. Enjoy the site, live simply, give more and always look for the gifts.
Warmest Regards,
Kelly Walker
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