Kelly Joy Ladd

Kelly Joy Ladd‘s work responds to themes of cosmic and creative mysteries, exploring inner and outer space, spiritually, the connection of all things and understanding the universe and our roles and purpose in it.

Ladd’s Liberal Studies degree from the University of Central Florida allowed her to opportunity to explore the subjects that peaked her curiosity like astronomy, physics, anthropology, environmental science and creative writing. During this time, she also discovered eastern philosophies and meditation, which has been a staple and major influence in her life and art practice.

Before becoming a full-time artist in 2019, she worked as a Disney World parade performer, music writer for HardRock.com, lifestyle editor and prop stylist for Parenting magazine and a freelance craft designer and blogger. All the while, she was developing her own creative style and unique techniques using paper as her main medium, due to her husband’s adverse health reactions to chemicals and paint.

In March 2020, Ladd experienced a significant head injury, which greatly affected her vision. Since then, she has been retraining her brain and eyes to refocus and track again. During her recovery when she wasn’t able to read, watch TV, or look at phones and computers, Ladd used this time, without outside distractions or influences, to devote her full attention to her art and meditation practices.

Her 3-D paper and mixed media work has been exhibited in the Orlando Museum of Art, Mint Museum and the Mennello Museum of American Art , as well as in the permanent collection for a number of hospitals.

Ladd’s intuitive artistic approach aligns her with her influences transcendental artists Hilma af Klint and Agnes Pelton.