Grace's Garden (2011) by Kelly O'Brien, paper installationPaper, sculpture, story. These are the hallmarks of Germany-based artist Kelly O’Brien’s work. A former ballet dancer and now mixed media artist, O’Brien feels most alive when filling spaces with paper-based installations that suggest a sense of movement and grace.
“I love to translate a theme or story into an experience. Whether it’s a private experience that you hold in your hands with an artist book, or something more encompassing, like a room-size installation,” explains O’Brien, “I’m interested in creating a sense of quiet beauty that evokes a little fantasy.”
The materials and art of the book are O'Brien's medium. Kelly started as a book artist, with an interest in exploring the sculptural possibilities of the book. Much of her work – both book objects and installation – incorporates found and vintage book pages and ephemera.
You can find Kelly's work at these exhibitions, on her blog, and in the book 1000 Artists Books: Exploring the Book as Art. Stay updated on her latest work through Facebook and Twitter.