The Central App will profile one of our region’s artists each month to share their story. 

A big thanks to Alexandra mum of two Kelsey Connell for going first. If you know someone with creative talent to nominate contact: [email protected]

Where do you live in Central, and what is special about your place?

“I’ve lived in Alexandra for the past six years with my two children who are eight and nine. It is an extraordinary place to raise two young boys. The outdoor environment is a huge part of our lives. The rivers, the lake, the dams, the hills. Kayaking, swimming, fishing, climbing, exploring, boating. We love it.” 

What inspires you to keep creating art?

“I have always enjoyed art and creativity. When I was a child I would get pictures of animals or cartoon characters and try to draw them as accurately as I could. Which is basically what I still do.

“I took art at high school and at 17 went to an art school in Wellington for a few months. A short time but it made a huge impact on my knowledge and skills.

“I always felt I didn’t have the time to paint and draw… after I had my children my painting really blossomed. It was something I could do that gave me time to myself. 

What drives me to keep creating art is the feeling of getting lost and ‘in the zone’ with my painting or drawing. There is satisfaction in completing work I am proud of and the joy that it can bring to others.” 

Kelsey was the illustrator for a book - ‘Timmy and the Magic Whale’ by Yvonne Aarts

Where are you from and how have you ended up here?

“I grew up in Poolburn, in the Ida Valley to be exact. I am very grateful to have been brought up in this incredible environment and community. I moved back with my kids to be around family and friends.” 

What's your favourite spot to enjoy in Central? 

“It’s so hard to pick a favourite. We love going to Butchers Dam because it’s great all year round. Exploring the hills, biking, swimming, kayaking, fishing, catching a few yabbies every now and then.” 

Kelsey completes some of her work on native animals from photographs and on a commission basis for friends and family

What else are you involved in within the community? 

“I am a teacher aide at Dunstan High School. I love my job, the students and teachers I work with. I am involved with the Clyde Theatre group and am currently rehearsing for a one act play in November. It’s a lot of fun and something I really enjoy. 

“A couple of years ago I started a free life drawing group to give people the experience of life drawing and being the art form if they wanted to. It was about connecting as creative people and celebrating the individuality of art and bodies. This was a great success and I would love to organise this again.” 

What do you see as Central’s biggest challenge?

“A big challenge I see for Central is housing. People are struggling to find rentals, let alone affordable ones and when it comes to buying, it is becoming further and further out of reach for some. 

“It may mean some people have to look to move outside of Central.” 

How can people find out more about your art? 

“I have set up an instagram account for my art kelseyconnellart which I’m excited about. I’ve never compiled photos of all my art in one place before.” 

How did you manage through the Covid-19 pandemic?

“I didn’t do any painting through the lockdowns, I was well occupied with my boys. I only take on requests for paintings and drawings when I feel I have the space to do so.” 

A cattle beast; a painting Kelsey’s proud of finishing

What does the future look like for you?

“I am enjoying my journey and progress in my art and being able to slowly take on more. 

In the future I would love my art to be a decent part of my income however I always want it to be enjoyable and have a certain freedom about it. I know I will find a way to continue to develop what I do.”