Shelly Kohli : Artistic Pursuits
story by kim poovey
photography by john wollwerth
Shelly’s world is a vibrant kaleidoscope of artistry, altruism and bliss. Her simple, yet beautiful, manner of living is an extension of her inner grace and peace. Not only does she produce art, she lives it. Her home has the charm of a tree house, branching into flowing open spaces, diverse art and a serene décor. “It’s a very homey, comfortable house. It’s a personal house.”
Born in Pensacola, Florida, Shelly is a coastal soul enjoying time at the beach from youth to the present. “As a child, I loved going to the beach where the sand was white and the water was like jade. I prefer the west coast of Florida, it’s so pretty.” She went on to share childhood memories of meeting the boats at the docks and indulging in local seafood.
Although born in Pensacola, she grew up in the Orlando area before venturing to other locales such as Scotland and London, where she and her daughter spent several months. Instead of returning to Florida, they moved to Savannah. After several visits to Beaufort they decided to relocate. “It’s the best thing that ever happened to us. I love it here. The people have embraced Emily and me. I love sitting on my porch and taking in all the beauty.”
A smile spread across her face as she spoke about her kids; a son, Michael, who lives in Utah, and her daughter, Emily who resides in Beaufort. Children of the four-legged variety also reside in the house including two rescue dogs, Lema and Bailey, and two cats, Penelope and Tiger.
Shelly’s work history is as distinctive as her art. Before settling into her artistry, she worked as an illustrator for Martin Marietta, an art teacher, and an art therapist. “I got burned out when I worked at Laurel Oaks psychiatric hospital and realized it wasn’t my calling. When you do what you love you can always work, whether you’re up or down, happy or sad. I’m really grateful to be able to do what I love through my art.”
Her principal mode of art was born from bereavement. Twenty-five years ago she cared for a dear friend who was battling pancreatic cancer. One night, as Shelly held her dying friend, she glanced at the ceiling, which began to swirl into circular designs of varying colors, creating intricately detailed configurations. It was her first experience with an art form referred to as ‘Mandala’ and she has been drawing them ever since. “I’ve been doing this for nearly a quarter century and I haven’t gotten tired of them yet. I didn’t even realize they had a name until several years later.”
Although her initial inspiration for Mandalas originated the night of her friend’s passing, it would be several years before she learned the art form was more than 2500 years old, dating back to Tibetan monks. Carl Jung, notable psychoanalyst, was also intrigued by Mandalas. “I sketched every morning in a notebook a small circular drawing,…which seemed to correspond to my inner situation at the time….Only gradually did I discover what the Mandala really is:…the Self, the wholeness of the personality, which if all goes well is harmonious.” (Carl Jung, Memories, Dreams, Reflections).
“I’m fascinated by the Mandala patterns which are endless. I end because there is no more room on the page but I could make one that went on forever if there was enough space.” She finds early morning and late night hours to be her most creative. “I can get more done in a couple of hours in the morning than the entire day.” Autumn is an inspirational time of year for Shelly. “I love fall. The quality of light is wonderful in the south and it’s pretty mild here. There’s a feeling of expectancy in the fall.”
One of her Mandala pieces won an honorable mention at the Winterpark Art Festival. “It never occurred to me that anyone would want to see these. This particular piece was folded up in the towel drawer for years. When I first started doing Mandalas, I hid them in the closet. They weren’t done for public consumption, they were done for peace and therapy.”
Shelly is a natural, self-taught artist having filled sketchbooks with drawings throughout her childhood. Inspiration from an array of artisans has influenced her work ranging from Degas’ paintings of ballerinas to Andrew Wyatt’s realism. “We had the opportunity to see Wyatt’s work at the Smithsonian last year and it was wonderful.” Shelly also enjoys French illustrator Erte’s depictions of art deco women in extravagant gowns.
Her creative channels are as diverse as the artists she admires. Shelly’s Mandalas have reached beyond paper onto bracelets, earrings, and pendants creating striking pieces of wearable art. In addition to her Mandalas and jewelry, she also paints portraits. “My love of portraits, whether person or animal, preceded my Mandalas.”
On the rare occasion Shelly has time to take a break, she enjoys curling up with a good book. “I read a lot. I have two or three books going at a time and I read myself to sleep every night. It’s one of life’s greatest pleasures.” Her favorite tome is “Prayer for Owen Meany” by John Irving. “I read it every year.” She also enjoys works by Stephen King. Although she doesn’t have much time for hobbies, she shared, “I used to roller skate but now art is my hobby for relaxation, work, and a way to reduce stress.” Periodically, Shelly indulges in a movie or mini series on DVD. Favorites include Downton Abbey and most British productions as well as the films, Harold and Maude and What Dreams May Come.
“My idea of the perfect day would be to wake up by 7:00 am and work until noon. To have five hours of uninterrupted work would be heaven. Then I would lay down with a book at noon, have a siesta, and get up to work until midnight. At midnight I would go to bed with a book and read for an hour or two. Life’s motto should be “the best days are filled with simple pleasures.”
Despite her obvious passion for art, Shelly is driven to help others. Currently, she is working on a coloring book for adults using the Mandala designs in an effort to encourage others to unwind and find peace. Her ambitions are rather simple; “I hope to keep doing this for the rest of my life. I’m not the office type of person. I’d rather do something hands-on. I hope I’m painting until the end.”
Shelly believes “everybody is creative and ought to be doing something they love. Most people are more creative than they think they are. There are many different ways to create. My grandmother could make simple meals into a feast. I had a friend with a talent for decorating a home. Artistry doesn’t have to be pen to paper.” She went on to say, “We are all born with a thesis statement. My thesis is ‘creating is an alternative to despair.’ We play a part in our own happiness, when you’re called you have to answer. I want to help people move on and make things better.”
What began as a pastime has blossomed into a garden of artistry and altruism, leading Shelly to a life of peace, serenity, and euphoria. “You know what I live for? I live to do art under this light at this table. I’m totally dedicated to what I do. I don’t want to look back and have any regrets.”
