KELA

KELA is a fine art nature-based multimedia artist integrating analogue photography and woodworking creating works that inspire reflection, purpose, and meaningfulness by drawing inspiration from the natural world. Her work consists of building custom one of one creations may it be framed photos, picture frames or floating frames, shadow boxes, home decor, or furniture style pieces. She is inspired to create interactive pieces intended to be experienced in person that engage with various senses and be utilized as functional art. 

Exhibiting permanent collections in the Main Hospital and the Wellness Center of MUSC, she finds the importance and overlap of her work to be shared as a point to introspect on our needs towards healing and care. She encourages individuals to spend more intentional time in nature as a form of resetting and renewal for ourselves and our relationships.

KELA was accepted as a Lightning Resident Artist in Fall 2023 at Redux. She is a two-time grant recipient through the South Carolina Arts Commission, first receiving the Emerging Artist Grant in 2021 to produce a short film in slide motion called ‘to be free’ and the Emerging Artist Alumni Grant in 2025 focused on functional art and large-scale works.

KELA is the community leader of The Warm Juice, a creative community that is geared towards creatives of all backgrounds, at the foundation implementing learning and growing, creating consistently, and cultivating meaningful connections. Part of her role in-partnership with Redux as a Community Engagement Liaison is designed to assist with outreach and additional programming within the facility to offer events and workshops to bring in new creatives and individuals into the space, especially people of color.”