What is the best thing that I love about my work? As a visual artist, one of the best things about my work is spending so much time alone painting and listening to music in the studio. Luckily I enjoy my own company! Creating scenes from my imagination is a constant source of enjoyment and surprise, as the paintings will often take on a life of their own! The whole process allows me to escape to other worlds where I can create anything it is I want to see.

What is my idea of happiness? Having as much time as possible in this lifetime to spend being creative. Also walking at night and looking at the moon.

What is my greatest fear? No longer being able to create for whatever reason.

What is the trait that I most deplore in myself? Being selfish with my time.

Which living persons in my profession do I most admire? Kit Williams.

What is my greatest extravagance? Perfume.

On what occasion would I lie? To protect a loved-one.

What is the thing that I dislike the most in my work? Having to meet people and talk about what my paintings mean. I don’t think it should be necessary to try and explain.

When and where was I the happiest, in my work? I am happiest right now in my beautiful home and studio. Everything here inspires me.

If I could, what would I change about myself? I wouldn’t be so vain or worry about everything so much. I’m always overthinking.

What is my greatest achievement in work? Making a living from doing what I love and never giving up.

Where would I most like to live? In a remote location next to the sea where I could watch the sunset every evening.

What is my most treasured possession? Freedom.

What is my most marked characteristic? Determination and self-discipline.

What is my most inspirational location, in my city? A beautiful local lake hidden in the woods with green grass on it’s banks and awash with wild flowers in the summertime.

What is my favorite place to eat and drink, in my city? In my own kitchen or garden with my favourite people and cats.

What books influenced my life and how? When I was a child I was mad about Maurice Sendak’s ‘Where The Wild Things Are’. I adored the story and the wonderful and magical illustrations. I wished that my bedroom could also turn into a jungle and I could sail away! I never saw it as anything more than that. Later on I’ve learnt that there are all sorts of deeper meanings to the story. Perhaps back then it touched me on a subconscious level and has inspired my work ever since. Also a book called ‘The Process of Intuition’ by Virginia Burden which has influenced me a great deal. It changed the way I live my life and continues to teach me. I’ve read it so many times and each time I discover something new.

You Only Die Once. What music would I listen on my last day? Some Radiohead because they are just perfection and perhaps some Johann Johannsson as it’s so moving. Definitely music to ‘leave’ by!

Who is my hero or heroine in fiction? Sherlock Holmes, what a great mind!

Who are my heroes and heroines in real life? My cats. They don’t care about anything and just know that they are the centre of the Universe.

Which movie would I recommend to see once in a lifetime? ‘One Flew Over The Cuckoo’s Nest’

What role do stories play in my life and work? Stories have always played an important role in my life since childhood. When I hear, read or listen (through music) to a story that inspires me, I just see it as imagery. Stories fuel my imagination. My paintings usually have a strong narrative.

What do the words ‘You are the storyteller of your own life’ to me? It means to me that we are all responsible for our own lives. We can create the life we want by believing in it enough to manifest it.

Who is my greatest fan, sponsor, partner in crime? Me!

Which people or companies would I like to work with ? Working with a company doesn’t interest me. I am naturally inspired by other creatives but I like to create by myself. I see my artistic journey as a very personal one.

What project am I looking forward to work on? My next painting.

Where can you see me or my work? On my website:- http://www.antoinettekelly.co.uk

What do the words “Passion Never Retires” mean to me? It means to me to never lose the passion to create or to be constantly inspired. The creative journey can continue right up to your last moments of life in whichever way is still possible.

How can you contact me? Through my website:- http://www.antoinettekelly.co.uk