Kerri Klenkel, Artist
Kerri Klenkel is somebody I have grown very close to in the past year. There are many traits of her that I hope I can adopt into parts of myself such as her forgiveness, calmness, and welcoming people of all walks of life with open arms in a grander way than I thought possible. She is always the one to say “keep trying”, “let me know how I can help”, and “you’ll get there” in times of doubt and struggle- and you see this through her long history doing charity work. If there is one person that is a true ray of sunshine and love, it would be Kerri Klenkel. As humble and kind as she is, her artistic talents were not showcased to me until Christmas of 2022, when she gifted me with a framed work of her art that is propped on my desk to this day.
“KeKe” (as I have always called her) expresses that through her art, she lets herself feel- it is her way of releasing her emotions and thoughts when the words don’t come as easily. That is the beautiful thing about art, it can make people of all walks of life and all in different situations feel what they need to feel. Whether that be good or bad- it is a necessary thing. The pieces Kerri creates are simple; leaving more room to ponder and connect with the emotions that come to the surface within yourself, without focusing on the intense details you are faced with- something I know I have had a hard time mastering.
I am also happy and proud to announce that Kerri Klenkel, with her original art pieces, will be the first artist to be a part of the Klein House Art Print Program, a program to encourage local artists and creatives to keep doing what they love- and an opportunity to showcase it on a bigger platform without stressing the technical details. For updates on when Kerri’s work will be for sale, and for more information on the Klein House Art Print Program, follow Klein House @kleinhouseco on your favorite social media platforms. (FB, IG, & Twitter)
What is your name?
Kerri Klenkel
Where are you based out of?
Colorado Springs, CO
When did you start creating?
I truly started taking my creativity seriously in high school, age 14.
What is your favorite medium and why?
I love mixed media. Drawing (ink), painting, collage. This gives me so much room to use layers to create different texture and ideas.
What is your motivation and/or inspiration behind creating?
I have always been a very sensitive individual. Sometimes, it is hard for me to express my feelings through words. With art, I can release emotions and thoughts through pictures. I am inspired by experiences and ideas. Watching my vision come to life through art brings me joy and a sense of satisfaction.
How does creating make you feel? What do you do to get into your groove and stay motivated?
Creating makes me feel free. I believe everyone is an artist in their own way and can feel this freedom. When I am able to freely express my ideas, it therapeutically calms my mind. I enjoy putting on my favorite music, and having a designated spot to create which helps keep me motivated.
What is your favorite piece you have created so far? Why?
I have many favorites, ha! But my most recent favorite is titled, “Universes Collide”. This drawing represents the connection between two individuals who come from completely different backgrounds and upbringings. There is so much beauty in human connection. Even amongst unique/opposite individuals - growth, encouragement, and love can be found in a powerful way.
What are your goals as a creator?
My goal as a creator, for myself, is to grow my mind and imagination. My goal as a creator, for others, is to help bring to life their vision, through sentiment, according to what they are passionate about.
What is your favorite memory of you practicing your craft?
My favorite memory creating art was when I lived in South Africa. I had the opportunity to paint wall art across the side of a building at a boy’s orphanage. I was able to paint a bright picture of the sun and sky. This represented the ability to find hope and light, even in their unfortunate situations. The young boys helped me paint, and we all found so much joy in doing so.
If you could tell yourself one piece of advice when you were just starting out, what would it be?
I would tell myself, “Don’t be so hard on yourself. You are your own worst critic. Everyone is an artist in their own way, DON’T COMPARE.”
Do you notice any common themes throughout your work? Why do you feel your art has said theme(s)?
Recently, simplicity. Emotion is so complex, but so simple. We all feel, we all get sad, we all get happy, we all get mad. I feel my art does not need to be complex to express the feeling or emotion I am trying to convey.
What in your personal life has influenced you to create what you do?
Growing up, especially through high school and college, I experienced a lot of personal turmoil and tragedy. Art has been a way for me to release the emotion, resentment, anger, growth, victories, and happiness I encountered. I love being able to take other ideas or experiences and put it on paper as well.
Do you critique your own work in ways that people outside of the creative community might not understand? Explain.
Yes. Like mentioned above, for the most part, I like to keep it clean and simple. You can tell a story even through simplicity. Others may think there needs to be more color, more texture, more detail to call it “art”.
How would you like to be remembered through your pieces?
I love to stir emotion. If someone can look at my pieces and FEEL, that is how I would like to be remembered.
