Anke Kelly

Anke Kelly cannot remember a time when she was not interested in art. “I have never had formal training,” she says. “However, I have been painting and doodling all my life.” A self taught creator, Anke always dreamed of going to art school. “Alas, it was a subject not to be discussed in my family,” she says. Originally from Germany, she moved to the United States in 1963. Throughout her career, Anke has explored different mediums including watercolor, oil, and acrylic painting as well as pastel art and drawing with pencils and charcoal. Utilizing surfaces ranging from fabric, porcelain, and ceramic to silkscreen and stenciling, Anke’s work has always been rooted in her own analysis. “I would see a piece of art and research its process. Then, I would try to create something similar,” she says. Devoting years to stripping and refinishing furniture as well as painting murals in peoples’ homes, Anke worked with many designers and customers alike. However, during a trip to Venice and the Island of Murano, Italy in 2000, she was introduced to the medium she works primarily in today. “My passion is glass fusing,” says Anke. “I designed and sold dichroic glass jewelry from 2005 to 2018. I found my niche in fused glass pictures when I moved to Florida in 2018.” Inspired by the world around her, Anke is in constant search of different colors, patterns, textures and shapes to fulfill her eclectic sense of creativity. A member of High Tide Gallery for the past two years, she reflects, “The gallery takes wonderful care of my work. I look forward to continuing our relationship.”