On a quiet afternoon, Kelsey James sits in her cozy home studio, surrounded by splashes of vibrant color and a small stack of vinyl records. Her dog, Oliver, is curled up in a corner, watching her paint with a gentle curiosity. The room is filled with the soft hum of a hair dryer as Kelsey uses it to manipulate streams of paint across a vintage vinyl record, transforming it into a vibrant work of art. For Kelsey, this moment is a harmonious blend of her two lifelong passions: music and visual art.
A Creative Pivot
Kelsey, a full-time musician since she was a teenager, never imagined that a global pandemic would lead her to discover a hidden talent for painting. “I’ve been performing live with my band, Shiva Skydriver, since I was 16,” she shared. “Music was always my main focus, but in 2020, when we weren’t able to perform, I suddenly had all this time on my hands. That’s when I decided to try something new.” Like many artists, Kelsey found herself at a creative crossroads when the world came to a halt. With live performances on pause, she turned to a different form of expression. While rummaging through her grandmother’s basement, she stumbled upon a collection of old vinyl records—some scratched beyond repair. Rather than discarding them, she saw an opportunity. “I thought, ‘What can I do with these? It feels wrong to just throw them away,’” she recalled. “That’s when I started experimenting with painting on them instead of traditional canvases.”
Art Meets Music
Kelsey’s journey into visual art wasn’t just a hobby born out of boredom. It became an extension of her musical identity. Each piece she creates carries a hint of her musical background, blending her two creative worlds. “I’m a vinyl collector, so using records as a canvas felt like a natural fit,” she said. “There’s a special energy to painting on something that once held music. It’s like I’m giving it a second life.” Her method, known as fluid acrylic painting, involves layering paint on surfaces and then using air—often with a hair dryer—to move the colors around. “I never know exactly how it will turn out,” she said with a smile. “That’s part of the magic. I have an idea of where I want the paint to go, but there’s always an element of surprise.”
Kelsey balances this spontaneity with the meticulous control required in music production. “When I’m recording music, every detail is intentional. But with painting, I have to let go and embrace the unexpected,” she explained. This juxtaposition between control and chaos fuels her creativity, allowing her to explore different sides of herself.
From Emerging Artist to Festival Favorite
Kelsey’s artistic debut was nothing short of remarkable. In 2021, she was selected as an emerging artist at Pittsburgh’s Three Rivers Arts Festival, one of the city’s most prominent cultural events. “That first year, I had no idea what to expect,” she admitted. “But the response was incredible. I’ve been fortunate to participate for three years now, and it’s always a highlight for me.” “Meeting people who resonate with my art and sharing the story behind each piece—it’s such a rewarding experience,” Kelsey said. “I grew up going to arts festivals with my mom, so it’s surreal to now be on the other side, sharing my work.”
Her art, characterized by its bright, swirling colors and dynamic compositions, has garnered a loyal following. “People are drawn to the vibrancy and energy in my pieces,” she shared. “I think it’s a reflection of the joy I feel when I’m creating them.”
Beyond the Canvas
Outside of her art, James continues to make music with her band, Shiva Sky Driver. She’s a multi-instrumentalist, singing and playing bass during live performances, while also recording keyboards and guitar tracks in the studio. Her creative endeavors are not limited to live shows and festival appearances; she’s found a new way to blend her music and art through social media. “I’ve been posting videos of my painting process set to my original music,” she said. “It’s been a fun way to showcase both sides of my creativity and reach a wider audience.” Her Instagram and TikTok accounts are filled with mesmerizing time-lapse videos of her art coming to life, paired with the ethereal sounds of her band’s music.
A Creative Oasis
Kelsey’s studio may be a modest setup in a spare bedroom, but it’s a space filled with warmth, color, and the boundless energy of her artistic spirit. It’s where she spends most of her days, with Oliver by her side, navigating the ebb and flow of creativity. “I’m grateful to be able to spend my days doing what I love,” she said. “Whether it’s creating music or painting, it’s all about exploring and sharing a part of myself.” As she looks to the future, Kelsey remains open to wherever her artistic journey may take her. “I’m always learning, always evolving,” she said. “That’s the beauty of being an artist—you’re never done.”
For those eager to see her work in person, Kelsey exhibits annually at the Three Rivers Arts Festival and the Fort Ligonier Days festival.
You can also explore her shop at https://local-good.com/artist/kelsey-james-art/