The Ohio Artist Registry (OAR) is an exciting opportunity for artists to share their work, connect with the creative community, and establish an online presence—all on a free, virtual platform! The OAR encourages artists working in all art forms, throughout Ohio and beyond, to create a profile, which allows them to better promote themselves and their work. Being listed in the OAR provides artists with new opportunities to share their work with clients, galleries, patrons, and audiences. A listing in the OAR does not confer an endorsement, approval, or verification by the Ohio Arts Council.
For more information, contact Kathy Signorino, artist programs director, at kathy.signorino@oac.ohio.gov or 614-728-6140.
2025 Ohio Artist Registry Juried Exhibition
Kellie McDermott
PainterColumbus Ohio 43221 United States Home Phone: 614-439-3247 Website: kmcdermott.com
Bio
After receiving her B.F.A. from Columbus College of Art and Design, Kellie McDermott continued to work on developing materials and techniques which include encaustic paintings as well as oils. Her work has been displayed in galleries including the McConnell Arts Center in Worthington, the Buckham Gallery in Flint, Michigan, and the Ohio State Fair Fine Arts Exhibition, where she was given several awards from the Ohio Arts Council, the Peggy R. McConnell Arts Center, and the Greater Columbus Arts Council.
Artist Statement
My work embodies a harmonious interplay of texture, contrast, and light, where the boundaries between emotion and landscape blur. When utilizing the rich, tactile medium of encaustic, I transform each piece through layers of wax and the dynamic process of fusing, effectively allowing me to “paint with fire.” I also explore mediums such as oils and cold wax using the same approach to layers and textures.
Each landscape I create transcends mere depiction; it reflects the emotions it evokes, drawing inspiration from both the external world and my inner dreams and visions. The layers of wax enable me to build depth, capturing the subtle interplay of light and composition while exploring how color and light convey mood. My landscapes are both familiar and abstract, serving as gateways to the feelings that inspired them.
Driven by an instinctive response to my surroundings, I strive to create art that resonates personally, evoking connection, memory, and introspection. My work is not just a visual experience; it invites viewers to feel, reflect, and perceive the world through a new lens.