Artists Bio
Kellie Kawahara-Niimi (pronouns: they/theirs) is a non-binary asian-american artist based in Seattle, Washington.
They use their artwork as a way to communicate kindness, comfort and compassion to the world. Each piece is made with vulnerability and authenticity, which makes the work feel comforting and relatable. The paintings invite the viewer to find a space of quiet rest and respite in an ever-moving world. Kellie’s insatiable curiosity pushes their boundaries of creativity, allowing for explorations into various art forms, mediums, techniques and styles.
Kellie believes that being an artist is audacious. Each decision made in the creative process is a practice in courage to create something in a society that criticizes and devalues the arts. Their life’s work is to create spaces that allow us to find our humanity– and to recognize that any artwork created is needed and necessary. Currently, they are working with mixed media resin pours.
Kellie studied Art History and Arts Management at University of San Francisco. Their pieces have been shown in galleries throughout the Pacific Northwest.