MARCELLA KELLEY
Marcella Kelley, also known as theMKeffect, is a Boston based multi-disciplined artist, and author driven by the urge to shake old truths, and discover deep fulfillm in expressing freedom and authenticity while confidently honoring self expression that is rooted in celebrating human sexuality, divine femininity, intimacy, and independence from the perspective of living a full figured life.
How did your relationship with art and artistic expression begin?
Iβve always been an artist. I wrote tirelessly in my notebooks as a child as a form of expression, and Iβve always been a lover of music.
What kind of process went into organizing the works you submitted to βTHESE, OUR BODIESβ? What were some of your biggest considerations with this project?
I delved a little bit into my love of organized chaos, and this was a bit of a challenge for me. I have so many works that I really love, and with that I took into consideration where I was spiritually in my life. The works I chose represented a time where things were becoming more colorful in my life, and I wanted to make sure that was indicated.
How were you introduced to figure modeling and how has your interest for the craft evolved since then?
Figure modeling was introduced to me as a young child who loved to read. I happened to stumble upon it while reading the encyclopedia, and I remember being wowed by the beauty of the women that graced those pages. The memory never left my mind and with the news of my pregnancy weighing a bit heavy on me, and feeling like I didnβt have anything to offer a baby I took a leap of faith. My body had changed and I felt this overwhelming need to do something bold and daring to show my daughter that I was fearless. At this point in my life I had never felt so beautiful, and I wanted to commemorate this moment with something that would ever change my life. I started searching for drawing groups in hopes that someone would take a chance on me and when I received an email from Boston Figurative Art Center for a six week session, my life completely changed.
If you had to sum up a message/lesson behind your recent work in one sentence, what would it be?
Fuck the status quo and be authentically you
What is βARTβ to you?
Art is a lifestyle for me. Itβs not something that I turn on or off at the end of completion. Itβs who I am, from the way that I breathe, to the plates I eat from, to the things I surround myself with in everyday life. Everything is about creation for me. Seeing the depth and beauty in things that most people might just overlook.
What has been the most challenging part of your journey as an artist? And what has been the most rewarding?
The most challenging part for me is trying to quiet down the little voice in my head that tells me that my work isnβt good enough or that Iβm not as amazing as I know I am. The other challenge that I face is 'how do I turn my art into a profitable business.β
The most rewarding things about being an artist are all of the people Iβve met and the skills that I have gained via all the talented people Iβve had the honor of meeting. Being an artist has allotted me a freedom I have longed for, and has filled me with a happiness Iβve never experienced before.
What is one piece of advice you would give to an aspiring artist?
Do what makes you happy. Some people will like it, some people will love it, and the rest⦠who cares?!
Where do you see yourself in the next few years?
I see myself on a global platform, styling people and taking their photos. Iβll have my own studio, and will be hosting events, and booking shows where I would be the headliner.
What are three things that you would want the BAC community to know about you?
Iβm a bit of a wild card that has multiple skills in her arsenal. Expect to see me doing a multitude of things in unexpected ways.
What is next for you? Where can people find you?
Iβll be at Pancakes and Booze May 18 at Mixx 360 in Malden
You can find me at theMKeffect on most socials
And while my site is under construction you can find the links to all my work at linktr.ee/themkeffect
