
Kelly Ng Shah
Born: 1979
Hometown: Singapore
Based in: Switzerland
Born: 1979
Hometown: Singapore
Based in: Switzerland
Art is not a birth given talent, and Kelly Ng Shah is a prime example of that. None of her family members were artistic let alone interested in the field. She would start with craft work such as knitting, rug making, and clay work at the age of five, spending hours and hours matching the colored yarns to create distinctive crafts. That combination of knits, colors, and eagerness to express her inner self drew her to sketching and painting. Her love for watercolors, oil, soft pastels, charcoal, and resin caused her to enroll herself in both public and private education to learn different techniques. Bold colors, multi-layering, shading, and the use of gold and silverleaf characterize Kelly’s paintings, which are best expressed via acrylics. A prominent and careful eye for colors stands out in every painting, reflecting her personality. Bolder choices of colors with sharp defined areas within the canvas highlight her numerous obstacles in life that she conquered through her creative outlet.
She has since been following the flow, letting the environment that surrounds her guide her hand. Periods of isolation and silence help her to recharge and redefine the hidden details in her paintings, often interjecting sessions for each piece. Her art is a series of ideas and cannot simply be completed with one give and go, leading her to revise each piece after sitting with them for a while. Kelly’s paintings aim to give a positive and colorful spin to any wall, creating a peaceful environment for the audience.
She has already given several pieces new lives with overjoyed owners, filling homes across the globe. She spreads her love to every corner possible, whether that be art showrooms and museums or office spaces and family homes. She paints to please, and there is always joy in the eyes of every customer who commissions her for a beautiful new visual addition in their lives!
Congrats Kelly on her recent win at UOB Painting of the year 2021 - Highly Commended Award under Emerging Artist award. Since then, she has been collaborating with UOB on mural and sustainability artwork. She is currently residing in Switzerland.
What inspires you?
Raw emotion - It comes from deep within myself
Describe your creative process.
When I start a painting, there are no rules. Sometimes, I know what I am going to do, sometimes I don't. I like surprising myself along the way. Painting, for me, is an intuitive process, and so I let the canvas tell me where to go, and the paint and the canvas and me create a piece of art that people will enjoy.
What are 3 words that best describe your work?
Abstract, Tasteful, Enchanted
Who are some artists that have influenced your work?
Golsa Golchini, Sonja Blaess Eigelshoven and Tomas Hammar inspires me but I don't see think they influence my work though.
What is the most important tool when creating your work?
The mindset and vision is the most important tool, as the rest of art tools are being equal.
What is the best piece of advice you have been given?
Do what you are good at, you will go far.
Where do you go for inspiration?
Listening to music is like meditation to me. It relaxes my mind, motivates and makes me imagine.
1 Article
Nadine Ghosn's Top Picks
June 22, 2021
Education
NAFA UAL
Singapore, 2022
Awards
UOB Painting of the year 2021 - Highly Commended Award
2021
Exhibitions
UOB POY Winners
Singapore, 2021
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