Artist Statement
Narratives are ever present in my work, whether it is a single piece that gives the audience a glimpse into part of a narrative which compels them to fill in the rest of the story, or a body of work that builds up a detailed narrative complete with characters and plot twists. While my themes may vary the general intent is to explore the ways in which narrative can work to express universal meanings while activating the viewer’s imagination. Often I draw my inspiration from memories, beliefs, and dreams; moments of transitory states that exist in limbo in the ethereal space between our physical reality and a higher state of mental or spiritual reality.
I am currently writing and illustrating a children’s book on the difficult subject of death. My inspiration for this book came after the death of my aunt. Children's books had always been a source of comfort for me so I wanted to find one that reflected my own spiritual ideas and would be open to others as well. However I found it difficult to find a children’s book which explained death in a way that was suitable. The books were too religious, belonging to a certain denomination, or completely secular, devoid of any spiritual possibilities. I set out to write a non-religious yet spiritual explanation of death that can fit into a variety of beliefs and moral views.
Biography
Kellie Langden was born and raised in the suburbs of Denver, Colorado. Her first encounter with art was through children’s books which remains an influence in her present work. Kellie is very connected to her Swedish ancestry, as she is a member of the Langaryd family which has been recorded as the largest family in the world in the Guiness Book of World Records since 1986.
Kellie attended the University of Northern Colorado studying the humanities and art. Later moving to Boston to attend the School of the Museum of Fine Arts where she received her Bachelor’s of Fine Arts and Post Baccalaureate Certificate focusing on drawing, artist books, and photography.
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All content © Kellie Langden 2003-2013
