Friday, May 9, 2025
Subscribe to Guide
No Result
View All Result
Hamptons.com
  • Lifestyle
    • Spotlight
    • Entertainment
    • Arts
    • Community
    • Dining
    • Recreation
  • Events
    • Events Calendar
    • Post an Event
    • Gallery
  • Real Estate
    • Real Estate Features
    • Search Real Estate
      • Open Houses
      • Search Sales
      • Search Rentals
    • Title Insurance
    • Happening In The Hamptons Podcast
  • Live Cameras
    • All Live Cameras
    • Live Weather Cams
    • Amagansett, Atlantic Avenue Beach
    • Bridgehampton, West Scott Cameron Beach
    • East Hampton Village, Main Beach
    • East Hampton Village, Main Street
    • East Hampton Village, Newtown Lane
    • Hampton Bays, Ponquogue Beach
    • Hampton Bays, Ponquogue Bridge
    • Hampton Bays, Shinnecock Fishing Dock
    • Hampton Bays, Tiana Beach
    • Long Island Aquarium | Coral Reef
    • Long Island Aquarium | Penguins
    • Long Island Aquarium | Shark Tank
    • Montauk, Downtown Circle
    • Montauk, Lars Simenson Skatepark
    • Montauk, Gin Beach & Inlet
    • Montauk, Sunset Beach & Inlet
    • Sagaponack, Sagg Main Beach
    • Sag Harbor, Foster Memorial Beach
    • Sag Harbor, Long Wharf Marina
    • Sag Harbor, Main Street (South)
    • Sag Harbor, Windmill Beach & Bay
    • Shelter Island, South Ferry
    • Southampton, 39A to Montauk Hwy Merge
    • Southampton, Conscience Point Marina
    • Southampton Village, Coopers Beach
    • Southampton Village, Main Street (South)
    • Southampton Village, Main Street (North)
    • Southampton Village, Main Street (Hildreths)
    • Westhampton Village, Main Street (East)
    • Westhampton Village, Rogers Beach
  • Public WiFi
    • Public WiFi Map
    • Public Wi-Fi Support
  • Lifestyle
    • Spotlight
    • Entertainment
    • Arts
    • Community
    • Dining
    • Recreation
  • Events
    • Events Calendar
    • Post an Event
    • Gallery
  • Real Estate
    • Real Estate Features
    • Search Real Estate
      • Open Houses
      • Search Sales
      • Search Rentals
    • Title Insurance
    • Happening In The Hamptons Podcast
  • Live Cameras
    • All Live Cameras
    • Live Weather Cams
    • Amagansett, Atlantic Avenue Beach
    • Bridgehampton, West Scott Cameron Beach
    • East Hampton Village, Main Beach
    • East Hampton Village, Main Street
    • East Hampton Village, Newtown Lane
    • Hampton Bays, Ponquogue Beach
    • Hampton Bays, Ponquogue Bridge
    • Hampton Bays, Shinnecock Fishing Dock
    • Hampton Bays, Tiana Beach
    • Long Island Aquarium | Coral Reef
    • Long Island Aquarium | Penguins
    • Long Island Aquarium | Shark Tank
    • Montauk, Downtown Circle
    • Montauk, Lars Simenson Skatepark
    • Montauk, Gin Beach & Inlet
    • Montauk, Sunset Beach & Inlet
    • Sagaponack, Sagg Main Beach
    • Sag Harbor, Foster Memorial Beach
    • Sag Harbor, Long Wharf Marina
    • Sag Harbor, Main Street (South)
    • Sag Harbor, Windmill Beach & Bay
    • Shelter Island, South Ferry
    • Southampton, 39A to Montauk Hwy Merge
    • Southampton, Conscience Point Marina
    • Southampton Village, Coopers Beach
    • Southampton Village, Main Street (South)
    • Southampton Village, Main Street (North)
    • Southampton Village, Main Street (Hildreths)
    • Westhampton Village, Main Street (East)
    • Westhampton Village, Rogers Beach
  • Public WiFi
    • Public WiFi Map
    • Public Wi-Fi Support
No Result
View All Result
Hamptons.com
September 21, 2021

INTERVIEW: Chris Kelly, Reflects on Creative Process as a Local Hamptons Artist

Sydney A. Braatby Sydney A. Braat
in Featured, Spotlight
Home Spotlight
Various oil paintings on canvas at Chris Kelly’s studio in Springs

The Hamptons has historically served as a haven for artists of all mediums. Andy Warhol, Jackson Pollock, Willem de Kooning and many others used the community as inspiration and a quiet reprieve to create their many famous works that the world cherishes today. Chris Kelly has called the Hamptons his home for the entirety of his life and recently returned to the area to raise a family and establish his business as a painter and sculptor.

 

Over the course of his career, Kelly has worked with major interior design firms around the world, elite hotels in Manhattan, and also created custom pieces for personal collections.

 

Chris Kelly Studio is comprised of paintings and sculptures that fall in the “deconstructionism” category. Each piece is comprised of shapes and bright colors, which has become what Kelly is widely known for. Think of it as the most boring lesson from high school geometry classes coming alive. Kelly draws from shapes seen in the nature, like the curve of a seashell. 

 

Kelly remarked, “In my life, I always like to seek out and discover the way things are connected.” His curiosity for life and how it intersects with art is paramount, which is why I was so elated to speak with Kelly about his work as a sculpturist.

 

Being a Hamptons local gives you a unique perspective as a business owner in the area now. Can you talk a bit about your relationship to the Hamptons community and why you chose to stay local?

 

CK: I actually grew up in East Hampton – all the way from a baby, to pre-school at the Neighborhood House, to John M. Marshall Elementary, and graduated from East Hampton High School. It was a different time back then and a lot has changed. But even though I moved away for many years, traveled the world, and then lived in NY City for a long time, East Hampton has always felt like home. I can’t imagine being as happy anywhere else and I feel very lucky to have such a strong connection to this amazing place. Being an artist, and doing the type of work that I do, necessitates that I spend a lot of time on my own, secluded in my studio. I take a lot of comfort in the fact that I can still connect with people that I know from my childhood while also meeting new people who have found their way out to East Hampton. Staying local has been one of the best decisions I ever made.

 

It’s evident that color plays a large part in your work. Is there a direct relationship with the colors you choose and the shape or style of the sculpture you’re creating?

 

CK: That’s a very interesting question – I haven’t thought about that, specifically, in regards to my sculptures before, but you’re right… there is a direct relationship, though there’s not an easy explanation. My sculptures are very much related to the large abstract paintings that I do – they wouldn’t exist as they are without the paintings. I often think of the sculptures as three dimensional paintings and I find that certain color relationships work better than others for the sculptural style I’m working in. I see them in terms of contrast, tension and resolve, and the sum being greater than the parts – I recently finished one of my painted wood sculptures for a collector in Maryland and I surprised myself by choosing two different reds to go together. The effect was a harmonious tension that I found to be energizing and thrilling, and a big part of that was how the colors interacted with the way I designed the shapes. So yes, there are multiple direct relationships and I find that I am always discovering new ways for those relationships to grow. 

 

Your work has been commissioned by notable names and everyday people all around the world. What does that feel like after years of trial, error, and improvement as a creative?

 

CK: How many superlatives can I think of? It feels amazing, and wonderful, and I love meeting people who respond to my work and like it enough to purchase and put in their homes. To live with it every day. There is no greater compliment, and honor, than to have someone enjoy my art in that way.

 

What is coming up next for you in the Hamptons? Where can locals and visitors alike see your work?

 

CK: I’ve been working so much over these past many months, keeping up with new projects, and things are only getting busier.  I’m currently working on paintings for a solo show in Litchfield, CT at a new gallery called amArtHouse, so I’m bringing a bit of the Hamptons up to New England. And locally, I’m with the Colm Rowan Fine Art gallery in East Hampton village – they will show some of my work over the fall and winter and I am already starting new artworks for a one-man exhibition that will open there next summer. It’s also possible to contact Colm Rowan to arrange for visits to my studio in Springs.

 

Your Instagram, @chriskellystudio, shows how vastly different each piece you create can be. Does that come naturally for you as an artist or do you find that your clients typically know exactly what they’re looking for?

 

CK: I have worked in different styles over the course of my career, but I think of them as all coming from the same source of creativity.  Whenever I’m creating a new work of art I’m always thinking about my core tenets of the artistic process – a lot goes into it, but on a certain level my aim is to create something that is undeniably beautiful. For commissioned works, clients may ask if it’s possible to incorporate a certain color scheme, which I always take into consideration – I love solving puzzles and coming up with solutions to things, so it can be a fun process as long as I make it my own. It can also be a good starting point to ignite the spark of inspiration, and then the artwork takes on a life of its own. And as for pieces that I create for exhibitions, clients and collectors who end up purchasing them can have a variety of reasons why – sometimes they are looking for something specific, and sometimes they are surprised by something they’ve never seen or thought of before.

 

Are you dabbling in any new mediums or mixing up your projects at all as the year comes to a close?

 

CK: One of my newest works is a large-scale sculpture made out of aluminum, which I had never worked with before. I also used some new and special materials to add color to the sculpture. For example, before priming and painting the aluminum, I used the same substance that the US Air Force uses to chemically treat their fighter jets to help the paint have a stronger bond with the metal. I love learning new things so I really enjoyed doing all the research and preparation for the project. The end result is beautiful – it’s a sculpture titled MGR 1 and it premiered a few weeks ago at the Hamptons Fine Art Festival in Southampton. This new sculpture has opened up a whole new world for me and I foresee doing many more in the future.

 

You recently had a baby! Congratulations! Have you and your wife introduced any artistic activities to your child? Is it too early to tell if you have an emerging artist on your hands?

 

CK: Thanks! Aside from when our baby visits me in the studio, we have also taken him to many art exhibits and openings here in the Hamptons. He’s seen way more art than I ever saw at that age (he just turned 11 months). I’d say it’s probably too early to tell if he’s an emerging artist, but we have plans for getting him some giant crayons to play with. He’s currently more interested in smashing things and knocking stuff down, but that can be an integral part of the creative process, so we’ll see.

 

What are your favorite local activities to do in the Hamptons?

 

CK: As we all know, this past year and a half has been a strange time for activities outside the home. And since I’ve been working so much, I haven’t had time for much else. However, I do cherish the times when we get to take family walks on the beach with our dog Peanut, or go for a drive on a rainy day, or stop at S&S Corner Shop in Springs for a coffee and pastry. My wife is from Sweden and they have a word for dedicated coffee breaks – it’s called “fika” which is both a noun and a verb. So I really enjoy being able to fika on a regular basis. It’s also a true privilege to be able to throw on a pair of waders and take my clam rake down to the harbor. Fresh clams with pasta is one of my all-time favorites to make at home.

 

To learn more about Chris Kelly Studio, visit www.chriskellystudio.com/ and follow him on Instagram www.instagram.com/chriskellystudio.

Sign up for our weekly newsletter!

Get the top Hamptons events and latest scoop!

What's Happening in the Hamptons

Related Posts

In Sync and On the Move: A Conversation with The Campo-Johnson Team
Real Estate

In Sync and On the Move: A Conversation with The Campo-Johnson Team

May 9, 2025
Top Hamptons Events This Weekend: May 9th, 2025
Entertainment

Top Hamptons Events This Weekend: May 9th, 2025

May 8, 2025
Four Contiguous Parcels in the Fields of Water Mill
Real Estate

Four Contiguous Parcels in the Fields of Water Mill

May 8, 2025

Search Articles

No Result
View All Result

LOCAL EVENTS

Events

09
May
09
May
-
10
May

Evelyn Alexander Wildlife Rescue Center Mother’s Day Plant Sale

May 9 @ 10:00 AM - May 10 @ 05:00 PM
228 West Montauk Highway, Hampton Bays
09
May
09
May
-
09
May

Jen Proudman Jewelry Pop-up at Le CLoset Southampton

May 9 @ 02:00 PM - May 9 @ 05:00 PM
9 Windmill Lane, Southampton, NY, 11968
09
May
09
May
-
10
May

Aperitivo Fridays & Saturdays at The Baker House 1650

May 9 @ 05:00 PM - May 10 @ 08:00 PM
The Baker House 1650
09
May
09
May
-
19
May

Happy Hour at Bostwick’s on the Harbor

May 9 @ 05:00 PM - May 19 @ 06:30 PM
39 Gann Rd., East Hampton, NY 11937
09
May
09
May
-
09
May

Per Te (For You) A concert of dedications – Music by Roberto Scarcella Perino played by pianist Baron Fenwick

May 9 @ 06:00 PM - May 9 @ 07:30 PM
The Church, 48 Madison St., Sag Harbor, NY, 11963
Load more listings
Next Post
Relax and Unwind at Hamptons Float

Relax and Unwind at Hamptons Float

  • 7 Ashwood Court, Southampton, NY 11968⁠
Saunders Exclusive: $6,200,000⁠
@vinceinthehamptons⁠
@hamptonsrealestate⁠
⁠
⁠
This magnificent new construction offers a blend of modern luxury and timeless sophistication. Spanning 7,546 +/- sq. ft. on a pristine 0.92-acre lot, this two-story traditional-style residence boasts 7 bedrooms, 7 full baths, and 1 half bath.⁠
⁠
Inside, find an open kitchen adorned with marble countertops and high-end stainless steel appliances, perfect for the culinary enthusiast. The home features a spacious entry foyer, a living room, dining room, family room, den/office, and a study. Enjoy the comfort of two primary bedrooms, each with its own freestanding soaking tub, located on the first and second floors, respectively.⁠
⁠
⁠
Read the full article at Hamptons.com (Link in Bio)⁠
.⁠
.⁠
.⁠
.⁠
.⁠
.⁠
.⁠
#saunders #hamptons #hamptonsrealestate #luxuryrealestate #southampton
  • Steeped in tradition, history, and familiarity, a refurbished Sagaponack General Store has reopened its doors. Though still on the same footprint, the renovated establishment feels larger and more spacious, with an open layout and abundant natural light that adds warmth and charm. It now shares space with the newly restored historic Post Office at 542 Sagg Main Street in Sagaponack, located between Sagaponack Road and Hedges Lane, just south of the Sagaponack Common School.⁠
⁠
The original 1878 building was meticulously moved 15 feet back from Sagg Main Street and now features a welcoming new porch. The Post Office, located there as well, has its own handicapped-accessible entrance. While construction is complete, the Post Office has not yet reopened to the public. ⁠
⁠
Read the full article at Hamptons.com (Link in Bio)⁠
⁠
#sagaponackgeneralstore #local #community #sagaponack #⁠
⁠
  • Check out the top Hamptons events this weekend!⁠
⁠
🎭 Coppélia at Guild Hall⁠
📅 May 2–4⁠
🕖 Fri & Sat @ 7PM | Sun @ 12PM & 5PM⁠
📍 Guild Hall, East Hampton⁠
✨ Hampton Ballet Theatre School’s spring ballet!⁠
🎟️ Link in bio⁠
⁠
🎙️ Elvis Meets Sinatra @ WHBPAC⁠
📅 Sat, May 3 | 🕗 8PM⁠
📍 Westhampton Beach PAC⁠
🎶 Top tribute acts for Elvis & Sinatra⁠
🎟️ Link in bio⁠
⁠
📚 Gingy’s Diaries @ Southampton Arts Center⁠
📅 May 2–4⁠
🕑 2PM & 7PM⁠
🎭 A witty, moving new show by Ilene Beckerman⁠
🎟️ Link in bio⁠
⁠
🌸 Spring Market @ Share the Harvest Farm⁠
📅 Sat, May 3 | 🕙 10AM–12PM⁠
📍 St. Luke’s Church, East Hampton⁠
🎶 Live music, fresh food, flowers & gifts⁠
🎟️ Link in bio⁠
⁠
🏇 Kentucky Derby Party⁠
📅 Sat, May 3 | 🕓 4PM–7PM⁠
📍 Fauna, Westhampton Beach⁠
🍹 Cocktails, hors d’oeuvres & hat contest!⁠
🎟️ Link in bio⁠
⁠
🌼 Mother’s Day Flower Arranging Class⁠
📅 Sun, May 4 | 🕒 3PM–5PM⁠
📍 The Hampton Maid, Hampton Bays⁠
💐 Create a bouquet with Andrews Family Farm⁠
🎟️ Link in bio⁠
⁠
🧘‍♀️ The Rise Wellness Retreat⁠
📅 Sun, May 4 | 🕘 9AM or 3PM⁠
📍 East Hampton Indoor Tennis Club⁠
💪 Yoga, Padel, painting & shopping powered by Lululemon⁠
🎟️ Link in bio⁠
⁠
🏃 May Day 5K – East Hampton⁠
📅 Sun, May 4 | 🕘 9AM⁠
📍 101 Ocean Ave, East Hampton⁠
💖 Run for Family Service League⁠
🎟️ Link in bio⁠
⁠
🪑 Almond Zigmund: Wading Room Exhibition⁠
📅 Opens Sun, May 4 | 🕛 12PM–5PM⁠
📍 Guild Hall, East Hampton⁠
🎨 A fusion of art, furniture & collaboration⁠
📸 Photo Credit: Francine  Fleischer
🎟️ Link in bio⁠
⁠
🍽️ Long Island Restaurant Week⁠
📅 May 2–4⁠
📍 Various Restaurants⁠
🍷 Enjoy 3-course prix fixe meals across LI⁠
🎟️ Link in bio⁠
⁠
⛳ CMEE Spring Golf Outing @ The Bridge⁠
📅 Wed, May 7 | 🕜 1:30PM–6PM⁠
📍 Bridgehampton⁠
🥂 Golf, brunch, cocktails & auction⁠
🎟️ Link in bio⁠
⁠
Check out more events at Hamptons.com (Link in Bio)⁠
⁠
⁠
#hamptons #weekend #local #springmarket #golf ⁠
  • 98 Bay Street, Sag Harbor, 11963⁠
Saunders Exclusive: $8,995,000⁠
@hamptonsrealestate @edmundgaetjens⁠
⁠
Discover an unparalleled offering in the heart of historic Sag Harbor Village. Situated on an idyllic 0.63-acre corner lot, this meticulously restored Victorian delivers the ultimate Hamptons lifestyle: a luxuriously appointed main residence, a lofted studio, and resort-like grounds with a heated gunite pool. Just moments from Sag Harbor
  • To launch the celebrations for its 50th edition, the Hampton Classic Horse Show has unveiled its 2025 poster, “Beneath the Painted Sky,” featuring artwork by Michael “Mickey” Paraskevas of Southampton, NY. Paraskevas has previously designed the Hampton Classic poster four times (1987, 1992, 1998 and 2008).⁠
⁠
Celebrating 50 years of world-class equestrian competition, the Hampton Classic returns to Bridgehampton, NY, August 24-31, featuring FEI CSI5* and CSI2* show jumping and USEF Premier hunter competitions with more than $1 million in prize money.⁠
⁠
📸: Poster Courtesy of the Hamptons Classic⁠
⁠
⁠
Read the full article at Hamptons.com (Link in Bio)⁠
.⁠
.⁠
.⁠
.⁠
.⁠
#hamptonclassic #arts #poster #bridgehampton
  • The countdown has begun! ⁠
⁠
Only a couple of weeks till Memorial Day Weekend! ⁠
⁠
Check out the top Hamptons events this weekend!⁠
⁠
⁠
🧘‍♀️ Hot Yoga Flow – Southampton⁠
📅 Friday, April 25th | 🕤 9:30–10:30 AM⁠
📍 Wave Social Wellness, Southampton⁠
🔥 Move, stretch, and detox in a 95°–105° room. Mindfulness meets movement.⁠
⁠
🏃‍♀️ 13th Annual Katy’s Courage 5K⁠
📅 Saturday, April 26th | 🕖 7–10 AM⁠
📍 21 W Water St, Sag Harbor Village⁠
💖 Supporting scholarships & Katy’s Kids @ CMEE. Run with heart.⁠
📸: Courtesy of Katy’s Courage⁠
⁠
🛶 Kayak Big Fresh Pond⁠
📅 Saturday, April 26th | 🕙 10 AM–12 PM⁠
📍 Elliston Park, Southampton⁠
🚣‍♂️ Bring your kayak & life jacket! Nature, peace, and paddling.⁠
⁠
🎨 Spring Craftmarket – Ashawagh Hall⁠
📅 Saturday, April 26th | 🕙 10 AM–4 PM⁠
📍 780 Springs Fireplace Rd, East Hampton⁠
🛍 Handmade art, crafts, food & more. One day only!⁠
⁠
🎶 BCM Spring: Spring’s Clarity⁠
📅 Saturday, April 26th | 🕔 5–6:30 PM⁠
📍 Bridgehampton Presbyterian Church⁠
🎵 Mendelssohn, William Grant Still, & more—live chamber music bliss.⁠
⁠
😂 Ha Ha Hamptons Comedy Tour⁠
📅 Saturday, April 26th | 🕗 8–10 PM⁠
📍 Bay Street Theater, Sag Harbor⁠
🎤 4 comics, 1 hilarious night. Don’t miss the laughs.⁠
⁠
🍽 Long Island Restaurant Week⁠
📅 April 27th – May 4th⁠
📍 Various Locations⁠
🥂 3-course meals. One week. Your favorite Long Island spots.⁠
⁠
🎥 Happy Gilmore – Special Screening⁠
📅 Sunday, April 27th | 🕒 3–4:30 PM⁠
📍 Southampton Playhouse⁠
🏌️‍♂️ Sink a hole-in-one = free popcorn & soda!⁠
⁠
🎬 Ferris Bueller’s Day Off⁠
📅 Sunday, April 27th | 🕑 2 PM⁠
📍 Sunset Theater, Westhampton Beach⁠
📽 Watch a classic in a fresh new space!⁠
⁠
Check out more events at Hamptons.com⁠
⁠
#events #hamptons #films #yoga #restaurantweek
Facebook Twitter Instagram Youtube
Hamptons.com

Saunders Broadcasting Corp.

Phone: 631-613-8440
Email: [email protected]
Facebook: Facebook.com/HamptonsOnline
Twitter: @Hamptons
Instagram: @HamptonsOnline

About Us | Contact Us

Hamptons.com

  • Lifestyle
  • Events
  • Real Estate
  • Live Cameras
  • Public WiFi

Subscribe

Sign up for our weekly newsletter!

Get the top Hamptons events and latest scoop!

© 2025 Hamptons.com | All rights reserved
Saunders Broadcasting Corp.
Terms & Conditions | Privacy Policy | About Us | Contact Us

No Result
View All Result
  • Lifestyle
    • Spotlight
    • Entertainment
    • Arts
    • Community
    • Dining
    • Recreation
  • Events
    • Events Calendar
    • Post an Event
    • Gallery
  • Real Estate
    • Real Estate Features
    • Search Real Estate
      • Open Houses
      • Search Sales
      • Search Rentals
    • Title Insurance
    • Happening In The Hamptons Podcast
  • Live Cameras
    • All Live Cameras
    • Live Weather Cams
    • Amagansett, Atlantic Avenue Beach
    • Bridgehampton, West Scott Cameron Beach
    • East Hampton Village, Main Beach
    • East Hampton Village, Main Street
    • East Hampton Village, Newtown Lane
    • Hampton Bays, Ponquogue Beach
    • Hampton Bays, Ponquogue Bridge
    • Hampton Bays, Shinnecock Fishing Dock
    • Hampton Bays, Tiana Beach
    • Long Island Aquarium | Coral Reef
    • Long Island Aquarium | Penguins
    • Long Island Aquarium | Shark Tank
    • Montauk, Downtown Circle
    • Montauk, Lars Simenson Skatepark
    • Montauk, Gin Beach & Inlet
    • Montauk, Sunset Beach & Inlet
    • Sagaponack, Sagg Main Beach
    • Sag Harbor, Foster Memorial Beach
    • Sag Harbor, Long Wharf Marina
    • Sag Harbor, Main Street (South)
    • Sag Harbor, Windmill Beach & Bay
    • Shelter Island, South Ferry
    • Southampton, 39A to Montauk Hwy Merge
    • Southampton, Conscience Point Marina
    • Southampton Village, Coopers Beach
    • Southampton Village, Main Street (South)
    • Southampton Village, Main Street (North)
    • Southampton Village, Main Street (Hildreths)
    • Westhampton Village, Main Street (East)
    • Westhampton Village, Rogers Beach
  • Public WiFi
    • Public WiFi Map
    • Public Wi-Fi Support

© 2025 Hamptons.com | All rights reserved
Saunders Broadcasting Corp.
Terms & Conditions | Privacy Policy | About Us | Contact Us