artist statement
Kelly Austin-Rolo is a contemporary artist working primarily in encaustic.
My artistic practice explores the interplay between urban, rural, and coastal landscapes—environments that have profoundly shaped my perspective. Through abstract art, I aim to transcend conventional representations, inviting viewers to engage with evolving virtual places that emerge during the creation process.
Drawing on my background in design, I infuse my painting and printmaking with an architectural sensibility, skillfully balancing the chaotic and the organic within my compositions.
The fragile yet durable nature of beeswax fascinates me, serving as a metaphor for the complexities of the abstract landscapes I depict. My work embodies a journey of transparency and illumination, inviting viewers to explore layers of meaning and experience. Ultimately, I strive to evoke emotions that resonate with the viewer, connecting them to the essence of place and the beauty of transformation.
I love the tactile qualities of paint, wax and other materials—they introduce an unpredictable element that’s essential to my open-ended abstract works. My creative process involves layering, excavating, collaging, and engaging in spontaneous mark-making. I’m passionate about discovering connections between the familiar and the suggestive, blending the specific with chance occurrences. This free-spirited approach keeps my studio practice vibrant and open to whatever inspirations may arise.
bio
Kelly Austin Rolo is a contemporary painter and printmaker whose primary focus is working in encaustic and mixed media. Originally from Lewes, Delaware, she received her B.F.A. from Syracuse University and started her career as a corporate designer in NYC working with top architectural firms. After living and working in New York City for 15 years, she moved two hours north of Manhattan to the rural countryside.
A recent transplant to Denver, Colorado, her work explores the natural world and man-made landscapes and cityscapes. Kelly's cyclical process of creation to destruction, back to creation, allows her to play with colors and materials, working their shapes over time, resulting in organic and harmonious forms.
Her work appears in collections throughout the US.
“You cannot use up creativity.
The more you use it, the more you have.”
CV
education
Syracuse University, College of Visual & Performing Arts / BFA, Design
Select exhibitions
2024 - NKollectiv, Denver, CO / Summer Group Exhibition
2024 – Art Santa Fe, Santa Fe, NM / Art Fair Exhibition
2024 – Niza Knoll Gallery, Denver, CO / Alternative Printmaking Exhibition
2024 – Taking Up Space, Curtis Center for the Arts, Greenwood Village CO / Taking Up Space Exhibition
2023 - NKollectiv, Denver, CO / Anything Goes Exhibition
2023 - NKollectiv, Denver, CO / Biota Exhibition
2022 - NKollectiv, Denver, CO / Grand Opening group Exhibition
2022 - Gallery@FDC, Denver, CO / organic/geometric:amalgamation Solo Exhibition
2022 - Adam Peck Gallery, Provincetown, MA / ABSTRACTING/from here to there Duo Exhibition
2021 - Jones Gallery, Kansas City, MO / Juried Group Show
2021 - R Gallery, Boulder, CO / Circles and Squares Juried Exhibition
2021 - D'Art Center, Richmond, VA / Juried Collage and Assemblage Exhibition
2020 - D'art Gallery, Denver, CO / Simply Small 2
2020 - Art Students League of Denver, Denver, CO / Artist Showcase Exhibition/Auction
2020 - Redline, Denver, CO / Square Foot Show
2020 - Niza Knoll Gallery, Denver, CO / Holy Moly Group Show
2020 - D'art Gallery, Denver, CO / Concretion: The Act of Play, Solo Exhibition
2020 - Albuquerque Museum, Albuquerque, NM / ArtsThrive Exhibition
2020 - MoA, Museum of Art, Fort Collins, CO / Rocky Mountain Biennial
2019 - Redline, Denver, CO / Square Foot Show
2019 - D'art Gallery, Denver, CO / Simply Small
2019 - D'art Gallery, Denver, CO / Many Voices: One Message. ART
2019 - The Commons, Provincetown, MA / Wax Paper
2019 - D'art Gallery, Denver, CO / Inaugural Members' Show
2019 - D'art Gallery, Denver, CO / Topographic Groundwork Solo Show
2019 - 40 West Arts, Lakewood, CO / Annual Members Show
2018 - Redline, Denver, CO / Square Foot Show
2018 - Colorado Springs Fine Arts Center, CO / Annual Gala Exhibition
2018 - Common Space Gallery, Denver, CO / "(Tac)Tile" Exhibition
2018 - Castle Hill Center for the Arts, Provincetown, MA / "Trans" Exhibition
2018 - Union Denver, Denver, CO / Invitational Group Exhibition
2017 - CORE New Art Space, Denver, CO / "Urban Landscape" Exhibition
2015 - No. 9, Millerton, NY / Landscape Exhibition
2015 - 14th Colony Artists, Millerton, NY / Small Works Exhibition
2015 - NECC Show, Millerton, NY / Solo Exhibition
2014 - Noble Horizons, Salisbury, CT / Small Works Exhibition
2013 - Byzance, Salisbury, CT / Landscapes and Still Life Show
2013 - Motorworks Art Show, Millerton, NY / Solo Landscapes Exhibition
curatorial experience
2024 – Co-Curator, Alternative Printmaking Exhibition, Niza Knoll Gallery, Denver, CO
2020 - Co-Curator, Simply Small 2: D'art Gallery Members' Art Market / Denver, CO
2019 - Juror & Curator, WAXPAPER Exhibition, encaustic and cold wax works on paper in conjunction with The 13th International Encaustic Conference
select work history
2016 - MoMA (Museum of Modern Art), Assistant to The Library Council, Special Editions Editor / New York, NY
1987-2016 - Austin Rolo Design, Interior Designer & Construction Project Manager / New York, NY & Lakeville, CT
1985-86 - Skidmore Owings & Merrill, Interior Designer / New York, NY
1993-95 - Peter Gluck & Partners, Architects, Interior Designer / New York, NY
awards
2024 - Jurors’ Award, Taking Up Space Exhibition, Curtis Center for the Arts, Greenwood Village CO
2021 - Enkaustikos & International Encaustic Artists “Art Heals Grant”
2020 - Castle Hill Center for the Arts International Encaustic Artists Residency Grant / Truro, MA
2019 - Best of Santa Fe, 3rd Place, Art District on Santa Fe Annual Exhibition / Denver, CO
teaching
2024 - Workshop Developer and Encaustic Instructor / Prism Arts Workshop, Denver, CO
2023 - present Encaustic Instructor / Art Students League Denver
2022 - present Encaustic Workshops / Art Gym Denver, Denver, CO
2018 - Encaustic workshop & artist talk in conjunction with TacTile exhibition / Art Gym, Denver, CO
2017 - Assistant teacher, encaustic classes / Art Gym, Denver, CO
memberships
2017-present - Redline Contemporary Art Center / Denver, CO 2019-2021 - Founding Member and Co-Director, D'art Gallery / 900 Santa Fe Dr, Denver, CO
2017-present - Artist Member, Museum of Contemporary Art / Denver, CO
2017-present - Member, Art Students League / Denver, CO
2013-present - 14th Colony Artists / Lakeville, CT & Millerton, NY
2017-19 - Member, Art Gym / Denver, CO
