One Loved Bum
“Using the words that hurt me as a child to empower me as an adult.”
My name is Liz Kelly and I’m a mixed-media artist with a current focus on acrylic paintings. Growing up I always felt a little out of place, a little lazy, a little hopeless, a little like a bum. I knew I wanted to pursue an art career but the idea of working for someone my whole life didn’t exactly excite me. Video games had been a hobby and escape for practically my whole life so after high school I decided to merge my passion for art and games into one and pursue an education in gaming. I graduated from my local community college in 2019 with an Associate in Game Animation and Design but failed to see myself successfully landing, and keeping, a job after further schooling. It appeared that the further along I went in my education the further my passion for gaming fled, but I was halfway done so I continued. Shortly after starting my Bachelor’s at Columbia College Chicago I quickly began to feel drained and unsatisfied which led to my decision to drop out and begin the groundwork for One Loved Bum in 2021.
I had contemplated selling my art in the past but was repeatedly held back for fear of being perceived, judged or just a failure. It wasn't until I started my spiritual journey in 2020 that this vision, of selling my art while also shedding light on the power people hold, started coming to life. I think it is also important to note that while I and others can surely relate, did not end up sticking with their first chosen school program, the lessons I learned are still being utilized today and I consider that period of my life crucial to the course of the path I am on now.
One Loved Bum started as a dream, intended to be my ticket to freedom or financial freedom from a system I felt was deeply unfair and limited in a sense of human experience. I hope that through this business I can show off, inspire and welcome others to the world of creation. Once I’ve reached a suitable-sized audience I intend to use my platform to showcase other artists and creators and give back to organizations that are fighting to correct the imbalances on this earth. I’m writing this here as a reminder to myself, and others, to not forget or ignore the original intentions of this business.
Right now I am focusing on living my life unrestricted, by either physical or mental obstacles, and pushing myself into new scenarios and experiences that, quite frankly, scare the shit out of me. While my current comfort medium is acrylic paint on canvas I am experimenting now with different scales and discovering more of my personal style. Overall, I think my art is an expression of childhood nostalgia, feelings of emptiness or enlightenment and whatever I may be currently fascinated with. Whether my work is bought for being inspiring or just visually pleasing, I am extremely grateful to everyone who gives their time to look at what I am creating here. None of this would be possible without all of you, from one bum to another, thank you.
06.24.2022