Biography

Kelly Grace is an established artist known for her evocative and compelling paintings and drawings depicting cinematic inspired scenes and subject matter. Beautifully executed in a signature style developed through her unique combination of acrylic paint layers, Kelly’s paintings are populated with glamorous film noir heroines and other characters that seem to belong to a bygone era. Often using herself, friends and models as subjects, Kelly carefully stages and photographs her own reference imagery, using curated vintage props and even styling each model’s vintage hairdo herself. Through her practice, Kelly’s principle objective is that of visual storytelling, coupled with a desire to explore nostalgia and personal memory. The results are intriguing film narrative works that depict only a piece of a larger story, one that the viewer can write for themselves.

Kelly was born in Toronto in the 70’s and raised in the rural area of Stouffville, Ontario. Her paternal grandparents were travelling puppeteers in the local fair and carnival circuit in California in the 1950’s. There are many artists and creatives in Kelly 's family that have influenced her technique. Kelly Grace works out of Toronto where she shares a studio with husband and fellow artist, Shaun Downey.

Text © 2022 by Ryan Monadjem and Kelly Grace All rights reserved. No portion of this publication may be reproduced, or transmitted in any form or by any means, without prior written permission by the publisher

Published by Abbozzo Gallery 401 Richmond St. West, Suite 128 Toronto, Ontario M5V 3A8

Credits: Images courtesy of Kelly Grace Catalogue by Quincy Shaw

Back cover image: Car Window 3, see page 17