Opening Reception: Saturday, July 15, 1-4pm

Kay West currently lives in Spokane, Washington, but many of her roots are still viable in Redlands, which was her home for decades. 

     “I make art. Every day I create something…

Today it might be acrylic paintings, yesterday it was Artist Trading Card collages. Day before that, you would have found me making another fiber-wrapped lariat necklace.  Five years ago I lived in Birch Bay and was creating wreaths from driftwood, seaweed and shells, and photographing stunning sunsets. Ten years ago I wrote poetry and used a propane torch to create sterling jewelry with semi-precious stones. Twenty years ago I was making etchings and linocut prints. Forty years ago, and again 36 years ago, I created two beautiful sons-collaborative efforts with their father-and at any point between then and now, I may create in several media in the same day. I’ve always photographed whatever caught my eye. I have an ongoing series of macro shots of metal deterioration, rust and decay, which I’ve posted to Instagram.

I might not excel in any one medium. I’ve made peace with this. I simply enjoy creating art! I’m thrilled to offer my artwork, in its various forms!

I’m thrilled to offer my artwork, in its various forms, at Redlands Art Association, again.

Additionally, working with my hands and tools, I enjoy cutting, heating, bending, texturing metals, rendering different forms of personal adornment. A recent interest has been play with powder coat to add color and drawing to my metal jewelry surface. Hands and tools also come into play with various fibers and threads in creating fiberart brooches, neckpieces and sculpture.”

Follow me @element_kwest on Instagram.