When Zack Nielsen of Sezio.org took over the lease of Habitat House in Golden Hill, his aim was to uphold its tradition of being an intimate musical venue. But, as shared in the first post on Habitat House’s blog, he was also driven to give the house a second purpose – that of an art gallery.
Marking the debut of Habitat House as a visual art venue is an event that will feature the work of local artist, Kelli Murray. On Wednesday, December 15th, Habitat House’s doors will open at 6:00 p.m., inviting visitors to take in the Encinitas-based artist’s solo exhibit called “Dreamer,” a collection consisting of large original pieces, smaller work and novelty pieces.
When I touched base with Murray earlier this week, she explained that she was still working on pieces in the collection, having been given free reign to use the space in whatever way needed for the installation. “I want this to be a fun experience for people and buyer friendly,” she said. “I am going to greater length in the installation to make the space inviting, cozy, and well...’dreamlike.’” And the fact that Habitat House’s space is literally a living room? “I love the history of the house and think the atmosphere will be even more intimate and inviting because of the fact that it is in a home.”
Much of the inspiration for these new pieces comes from Murray’s memories of visiting family in the Midwest. “I am a California girl through and through. But growing up, my family would often visit my grandparents in northwest Wisconsin and spend our Christmas at their little cabin deep in the forest. My memories of those winters are some of my favorite. Ice skating on the lake, making snow angels, bundling up in our sweaters and fur hats, and being surrounded by love. I wanted this show to reflect those memories...but more in a cloudy, feminine, dreamlike state.”
While Murray’s work has been seen in various shows alongside other artists, such as at We Love Creativity’s Eighth Ply event, Habitat House’s art show debut will also mark the first solo exhibit for this established graphic designer and painter who, at one time, wanted to be a veterinarian. “It makes me a little nervous!” she shared. “[H]aving never done this, I feel a little under qualified and unsure of myself. Will I actually pull off the vision I have in my head or will it be a complete failure? Will people like it? Will people show up? You know, normal worrisome things.”
Some of Murray’s most striking pieces are in triptych form (see her Reach for the Stars piece), a form she uses when the idea she’s expressing in a piece can’t be bound to one canvas. “Usually I do a million sketches before landing on one to actually put to canvas. Some just lend themselves better to multiple canvases than others.” She is currently working on a triptych to include in the show, but finding time between that, her duties as Head Designer at Jedidiah Clothing and readying the rest of the collection and space has been a challenge. “I am feeling a bit sleep deprived,” she told me. “I have been working over the last month on any free night I had.”
Still, it’s a challenge she appreciates. As an artist, Murray feels that she’s one that thrives on the nudge that comes from knowing someone is waiting for her work. “[T]o create work for me, something that is not commissioned or directed, I often have to be pushed. So, thanks to Sezio for giving me a kick in the butt to dream up these new creations!”
Habitat House | 1008 21st Street, San Diego, CA 92102
The event goes from 6:00 p.m. to 10:00 p.m. No cover, but donations welcome.
(Photo caption: The dreamer and artist, Kelli Murray. | Photo by joielala, courtesy of Kelli Murray.)
