Letting Go and Other Artwork
by Kelsey Helen Bogan
Letting Go
acrylic wash, charcoal, oil, and dried rose petals on canvas
A REFLECTION ON THE ART:
For me, art always felt like a divine calling placed on my heart long ago. I always wanted to be a professional artist but struggled to find the courage to make it happen. In 2022, I stepped away from a career as an early childhood teacher to make art full time. When I embarked on this creative journey, I never anticipated that I would be entering one of the loneliest, most difficult seasons of my life. As I grappled with this emotional turmoil, I found that making art was no longer a joyful experience. Instead, I faced immense resistance at the easel. I prayed to God to quiet the endless rumination and negative self-talk. Over this past year, I created my very first professional portfolio. This experience felt like an arduous journey down deep valleys and up beautiful mountain peaks. Looking back, I see now that the Lord was strengthening my heart and equipping me with the courage I thought I never had. I found myself in awe as God made himself known on the canvas. I learned to hold both joy and pain at the same time. And, that joy could be found if I allowed myself to get lost in the moment and be with him. Can we create things when we feel broken? Can we create things when we are whole? Yes! Yes, we can.
Consider the Wildflowers
acrylic wash and charcoal on canvas
Beauty for Ashes
acrylic wash, charcoal, and oil on canvas
KELSEY HELEN BOGAN
Kelsey Helen Bogan (Kel) is a multi-passionate creative living in the suburbs of St. Louis, MO. She believes that creativity is a gift given to us by the ultimate creator, God. And, making art is her favorite way to worship and connect with him. Kel’s process is intuitive and often mysterious, even to her. Her art forms include drawing, illustration, mixed-media, oil painting, and calligraphy. To learn more about Kel’s journey, you can visit her website, kelseyhelenart.com, or follow her on Instagram: @kelseyhelenart.