This is part of a series interviewing Society of Young Inklings’ mentors. This week we’re featuring Kelly Smith.
Tell us two truths and a lie… but keep us guessing! We’ll save the reveal for the end.
1. My first paid job was picking up roadkill in Montana to feed wolves.
2. I was a child model and local television personality.
3. I am allergic to the spice cumin.
What are you writing right now?
It’s very personal and introspective; I’m journaling the experience of having my only child leave home for college.
If you could put two books together to make the perfect book for you, what would they be?
Margaret Atwood’s The Edible Woman and Pride and Prejudice.
Where do you like to write?
It’s usually just my bed!
Tell us about a time you got stuck creatively and how you got unstuck.
I couldn’t decide on an idea for my Fine Arts Thesis Exhibition. I’d started several times and was frustrated to tears. To distract, I read a biography of Henri de Toulouse-Lautrec and decided to decorate my apartment to look like the Moulin Rouge. I started with slipcovers, and vases of flowers, then decided to paint trompe l’oei furniture. Inspired, I gained approval from my adviser (and my landlord) and I and painted the 3 remaining walls with dancing girls, a long bar and patrons, and Henri sitting at a corner table and sketching. I couldn’t tear down the walls so the showing was at my apartment!
Tell us about a mentor who made a difference in your creative life.
Lynne Merrick, my first high school Art Teacher in Bozeman MT. She introduced me to the concept that art was much bigger than the mediums and techniques – that it was personal, constantly evolving and infinite. After high school we became good friends, sharing stacks of pancakes and endless cups of tea at the Bluebell Diner, where we talked for hours about art, philosophy, psychology and life. She encouraged me to embrace my individuality, passions and flaws, and to always create!
What is your favorite color?
It constantly changes! But always a color I see in the sky or the sea.
What was your favorite book as a child?
Meg and the Ghost of Hidden Springs.Â
So, which was the lie?
The roadkill one – it was a volunteer job!
Are you interested in mentorship through Society of Young Inklings? Click below to learn more! We offer a free mini-course that explains our teaching methodology as well as a free introductory call with our Mentorship Coordinator.
