 Kelly Moeykens TOPSHAM, Maine – Kelly Moeykens says she’s been an artist as far back as she can remember. She spends her free time tucked away in Topsham, where she builds her sculptures from the ground up - literally. “Each sculpture is built from hundreds - often thousands - of individually crafted elements that are layered together to create a larger whole.” It's a process she’s spent a lifetime refining. As a child growing up in Bowdoin, inspiration came easily. All she had to do was go outside. “I grew up in Bowdoin, surrounded by fields, gardens, and the natural beauty that continues to influence my work today.” Her process today has grown into a deep, rhythmic sensation that fuels her work and helps her find the simple within the complex. “I am drawn to repetition and the quiet rhythm of making. The process is deeply meditative, and I find meaning in the accumulation of small gestures that gradually become something larger, more complex, and alive.” Coming from a small town meant a small audience. But like a butterfly, a time comes when it must spread its wings. It wasn’t until recently that she began to expose herself to a new media: the public. “For many years, I struggled to put my work out into the world. My first public exhibition was at Creative Portland Gallery in 2017, and that experience gave me the confidence to continue exploring and sharing my work.” With that confidence, came an exciting new path forward. No longer bound to Maine, she began to share her work as far as the other side of the globe. “I am drawn to repetition and the quiet rhythm of making. The process is deeply meditative, and I find meaning in the accumulation of small gestures that gradually become something larger, more complex, and alive.” “My pieces have been exhibited throughout the United States and internationally, including New York City, Los Angeles, Miami, Washington, D.C., London, and Australia.”
So, how does an artist such as Kelly know when a piece is finished? Like most artists, it’s a feeling that she doesn’t seek out, but reaches out from the ether and lets her know. “After spending hundreds of hours with a work, there comes a point when it stops asking for attention and begins speaking for itself. That's when I know it is finished.” "Borrowed Light" Sometimes, that communication can be cathartic. “Borrowed Light’ isn’t just the name of the show, it's also the name of a piece that holds a different meaning to Kelly and reminds her of what was. “I don't have a single favorite piece, but Borrowed Light holds a special place in my heart. The work was inspired by a dear friend and co-worker who passed away earlier this year after a long and courageous battle with cancer.” She describes “Borrowed Light” as a piece built from hundreds of cyanotype butterflies, and has helped her express this singular moment in a way words cannot. Still, Kelly tries. “Watching her navigate that journey changed the way I think about resilience, gratitude, and the connections we have with one another”, Kelly explains. “More than a memorial, it is a celebration of the beauty we nurture in one another and the light we carry forward from those who have touched our lives.” Several pieces will be on hand this Friday when her show has its opening night Friday evening at 5:30pm at the Merrymeeting Arts Center. The Merrymeeting Arts Center, located in downtown Bowdoinham, will be celebrating its 20th year of operation in 2027. It's goal, "Art For Everyone". continues a legacy, which its inspiration, Bryce Muir, left his community when he passed away in 2005. You can come and view "Borrowed Light" at the Merrymeeting Arts Center in Bowdoinham, Maine. when her show opens this Friday @ 5:30pm. You can view more of Kelly’s work on her website, or at her Instagram account,
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