Patte Wheat LeVan profiles sculptor James Kelsey.
Amy’s waterfront restaurant, Port Orchard Washington, Sunday afternoon, July 22, 2012. James Kelsey sits alone at the tall corner table reserved for Reel Friends, the indie film group he founded in 2008. He breaks into a pleased grin as I introduce myself, then unwinds his 6-feet-three-inch frame from the barstool and envelopes me in an exuberant bear hug. “Welcome! The Sunday routine,” he explains, pulling out a stool for me, “is meet here, walk over to the Dragonfly Theater, see the film, then gather at the 110 Martini Lounge and discuss it. We hug hello, and goodbye, and if the goodbyes last more than a few minutes at the door, we have to hug again.” “I’ve been reading your zany emails for months, thinking about joining,” I tell him. “Death of a Super Hero sounded too good to miss.” “Yes! I’ve watched the trailer10 times.” He leans in. “Would you like to see some of my work? I got this smart phone so I could show photos of my sculptures to anyone interested.” He thumbs through a gallery of breathtaking stainless steel and bronze abstract sculptures that exude a joyful, soaring energy. His work, I learn, is throughout Washington State–Tacoma, Bremerton, several in Port Orchard, Canada, Michigan, and Utah. “Somebody told me you’re an artist, but I had no idea what you did. These are amazing.” “Thank you. I’m also creating some smaller pieces, hoping enough people will want to buy them–I’m trying to save my house. I’ve lived here for 13 years.”
Youthful face, black hair flecked with gray. He must be close to 50. Trying to save his house. What happened?
“The book has potential, but it needs work.”
♦◊♦
Music wafts out of his house and studio–Irish punk rock, Japanese Pop, German industrial music. Eclectic, nothing I’ve ever heard before. This morning I’m watching him weld a sphere onto a small stainless steel sculpture I bought. “Music has a very strong influence on my mood and energy level,” he says “so I select it based on the task at hand. Modern “lounge” music that takes world music and gives it a more mellow, electronic ambient quality is great for helping me find my balance and peace. Asian Flute music is perfect for slowing and sweeping up at the end of a hard day.”
The garage sale yields a few hundred dollars. No further commissions or large sales. Several other Reel friends buy his small sculptures. It’s not enough. By the end of October, he realizes he can’t make the deadline, he’ll have to move. He searches the internet and discovers I.P. Callison Co., is selling a 6,700 square-foot cold storage building in Centralia for $60,000. “Maybe I can trade sculpture for it,” he says. Centralia is 90 miles away. We drive up together and resume a previous discussion of Taoism. He discovered Lau Tzu and the Tao Te Ching in the early nineties, and I want to know how his practice has influenced his art. “I believe that everything is connected,” he says. “Wu Wei is a deep part of my path–it means ‘non action,’ but it doesn’t mean ‘sit on your ass and be lazy.’ It means to not force things…thoughts…peace. When I’m not sure what to create next, I have two choices–I can force– tell myself I MUST start building something–but the more I push in this direction, the worse my ideas become. In the end, if I do create something, it is nothing I’m happy with. If I tell myself it’s okay that I don’t have an idea–if I just sit and sketch at a coffeehouse, half distracted, some new idea has always come: something good. I find beauty in the idea of Taoism and hopefully that shows through in my work. I’m a creature of the world I was born into and it seems I’ve taken the last 35 years trying to reprogram my spirit into a better way of experiencing life.” Callison’s headquarters is newly built, gorgeous–begging for sculpture. The assistant to the Special Projects Manager greets us and ushers us to a table in the reception area. Her face lights up as she looks over the photos of James’ work. She picks Eye of the Beholder II, Industrial Heart, and Helios, excuses herself, disappears to an inner office. She returns smiling. It’s a done deal. James has just traded three very large sculptures for a very large cold storage building. He signs the papers the following week. We stand with the agent on Kearney Street in Centralia, in the growing dusk, viewing the building. The old loading dock faces a subpower station. On the cinderblock wall opposite 8 sets of railroad tracks, “FUCK TINY DUKES” is writ in bold cursive. The agent rolls the door open, flicks on the flourescent lights and we follow him into what James will later dub The Art Cave. After he discovers he has bats for roommates.
A 26-foot rented Penske truck is loaded and heads southeast following the Princess, his ‘99 Isuzu work truck. Half of his studio is dismantled, enough left to continue work on the sculpture, bare bones necessities are left in his house.
♦◊♦
The Port Orchard Independent and the Kitsap Sun announce James Kelsey has been voted Best Artist of Kitsap County for 2012. Third year in a row.
♦◊♦
In February he attends a meeting of ArtTrails of Western Washington in Centralia and commits to having his Kearney Street gallery open for their 11th annual Studio Tour in late September. He returns to Port Orchard to find a Notice to Vacate nailed to his door. He contacts metal artist Brad Tarbet near Centralia, makes arrangements to finish the Hutch sculpture in Tarbet’s studio.
♦◊♦
March 1. Six of us struggle through the final packing, cleaning. “Heimdall’s Trumpet,” his handcrafted speakers he created from a single piece of columnar basalt, quartered, are being eased down the steps and onto the Princess. They weigh 300 lbs. apiece. Two of us finish dismantling his office. Taped to the top of his computer screen on a small square of paper: “You can conquer others with power, But it takes true strength to conquer yourself. As long as the sun rises, And your heart beats, Tao is at hand.” The Princess is piled high with his remaining sculptures, the 22′ “Cubes” lies on its side with the half-finished Hutch sculpture. He drives out of his silent, empty studio, winds down the lane in the early spring chill. We stand together on the porch of his vacated house for a few minutes, then climb into our loaded vehicles and follow him.
Epilogue
- He had only a toilet for the first month and showered at the home of another artist who lives on the gentler end of the neighborhood.
- Reel friends continued to help when we could; Will, a retired electrician, drove to the Art Cave to help James with myriad projects that included pulling down eight 200 lb. fans without being killed or maimed.
- The tagging continued. James painted it out, hoping the perps would grow tired and give up.
- The Princess was violated, her side window smashed in.
- He posted on Facebook, “I’m on the bleeding edge of gentrification.”
- On June 23rd, he installed the Hutch sculpture “Holding the Intangible” in front of Hutchinson’s new Center for Vaccine and Infectious Disease Study in downtown Seattle.
- In late summer, his motorcycle was vandalized, a tire slashed on his pickup truck.
- Seven Reel Friends helped pull the Art Cave together for “ARTrails,” the two-weekend Studio Tour for local artists that started September 21.
- He finished painting the gallery and putting his sculptures in place 14 hours before the September 20 Gala at the Historic Centralia Railway Station. At 4:00 p.m. he was dressed up, at the door greeting people.
- Brad Tarbet, the tall, gray-haired metal fabricator and sculptor who offered studio space so James could finish the Hutch sculpture, told me, “James’s whole vision on his art inspired me–seeing someone making his living as an artist is incredibly inspiring, he demonstrates that it’s possible to make something for the pure joy of making it. And I danced with the product of that leap, created my first large piece called “Dance” early this month…you know, ‘Dance like no one’s watching.’ For the first time in my life I ordered a palette full of material just to make a piece of art.”
♦◊♦
“What kept you going,” I asked James finally. “At any point on your very rough journey you could have sunk into despair–what has sustained you?”
“My friends for one–Taoism is my rock that keeps me balanced and stable–but my friends…just knowing there were people around me who cared. That was huge…huge.”
(Editor’s note: Helping someone out and enjoying an original piece of art are two of the greatest pleasures anyone can hope for, and you get both when you buy an artist’s work. Most of what you see on Kelsey’s website is for sale, and if you’re in the area of Centralia, Washington you can drop by his studio on 416 Kearney St. and enjoy his work in person. – JS)
–photos Ron Potter of Sugarloaf Studios, Manchester, WA.
James’s comment about Art rebuilding neighborhoods are very interesting. That data would be very helpful for grant writers. We all can relate to James statement ” I’ve taken 35 years trying to reprogram my spirit into a better way of experiencing life.”
A very interesting article about the Artist’s talent and challenges.
What does it take to be a good man? This article shows a glimpse of what that entails. What does it take to be a good artist? There I have less then a hypothesis. What I know is that art requires an emotional connection, and getting to know a bit about an artist can further my first ethereal attachment to the art. However, this only applies if what I see or hear first acquires my conscious attention. In finding this article, it was the sculpture on the far right of the three pictured that furthered my interest in Patte LeVan’s… Read more »
This was a great article about an amazing guy. Larry and I drove down to Chehalis to see James’ latest studio/house. What an imagination and show of grit that is! I love what he’s done with the exterior and the interior is a tangle of surprising twists and turns. It takes a true artist to use something old and cast off like that building or his recycled metal and open our eyes to new possibilities like James does. Thanks, Patty, for spreading the word about him and what is possible when one is inspired.
I really enjoyed your amazing article on James – having lived as a virtual hermit for many years following my own losses, I had no idea of all the creativity going on around me (or at least within driving distance from Tahuya). The story of James’ trials and hardships, his eventually rising from the ashes of his old life, to what I and so many others hope is an even better one, really touched me. I am sure this story will inspire many who have to begin life again, whether from illness, loss of income, a home, relationships, and all… Read more »
What an excellent profile of James Kelsey and his inspirational influence on his community. I hope there will be a follow-up story.
A lot of good art, maybe a lot of all life….is teamwork. I am thinking of Patte LeVan with her words and James Kelsey with his color + steel + visual vibrancy. James laid his life out there and took risks, hit bottom and lost a house — but then found a Centralia rebirth, rebuilt a cinder block museum of wonder. And Patte was there to capture the story, to put it in words and tell us about the man behind those cool shiny stainless steel cubes, figures and such here in Kitsap County. Thanks to The Good Men Project… Read more »
Thank you, Patte, for introducing me to James Kelsey. Your story of his life, work and struggles leaves me inspired, both in relationship to my own creative process as a writer, and to seek out Kelsey’s work. I live in Seattle, and checking out the sculpture outside Fred Hutch downtown is an immediate must. I’d also love to visit Kelsey’s studio sometime soon.
Kelsey’s work is truly beautiful and the superb portrayal of this part of his life keeps me wanting to read more. I’m going to make visiting Kelsey’s studio a priority.
This is my day for learning amazing things that were right there all along…I’m originally from the Port Orchard area (in Denver now) and have been seeing these sculptures around for years, but I didn’t know about the artist. I’ve known Patte for a few years and didn’t know she was an author! And I really like this website, never knew about it, either. It’s very good to hear about real people living real lives and doing it well, as difficult as that can be at times. I guess I just need to get out more! Thank you for your… Read more »
Great article, engaging, inspiring story and well written. Thanks,
My wife and I met James last year when we visited his studio.
What a talented and charming man he is! Not only is he a gifted artist, but he is a wonderful human being as well. I’m so proud to count James Kelsey as a friend!
Hrmph… now I’m a “wonderful” AND “beautiful” human being?? OH JUST STOP IT PEOPLE! But thank you very much, Mark (give your wonderful Jeanne a hug from me).
-James
Nice writing, Patte. Sounds like an interesting person who does not give up easily. I like his colors on the studio and have great respect for anyone with enough nerve to shape stainless steel. The material does not yield easily either but the lines that I see in pictures are quite graceful.
Hello S (if that IS your real first name!),
I actually give up ever day before I go to bed, but through some quirk in the universe, wake up every morning ready to try again… 😉
Hugs.
James Kelsey
What a fascinating and lovely piece! DJ and I were just talking about these buildings in WA that get abandoned and just sit there. Takes an artist to see the beauty and potential in life, doesn’t it. Thoroughly enjoyed the piece, then went to his website and enjoyed that as well. Thanks for the glimpse into this light and life called James Kelsey!
Hi Jennie!
I think of myself as very lucky to have FOUND this building, but in line with your thoughts, I was even LUCKIER to have found it in the City of Centralia, Washington– They sincerely have the vision to see what I want to do with it… and the entire neighborhood in which it’s located, and they have been nothing but kind and helpful in the process.
Hugs,
James Kelsey
This is a fascinating, moving, and inspiring profile. Thank you so much for writing a beautiful piece on a beautiful human being, James Kelsey.
I would have been happy with a simply “human being”… “beautiful just seems over the top. 🙂
James is to be commended, first and foremost for his works of art and for those proud venues they serve, and this is what I as a fellow artist can most appreciate about his journey only more so, because in some ways he shares his spiritual journey through his art as I like to do also. I wish so badly in some way that he could have saved his original house, because I can imagine all that he must have put into it. Second, to be one who can envision what can be, what is possible, even when the odds… Read more »
Thank you very much for your words, Mona. Patte LeVan did an amazing job with the material she had to work with.
I too wish society made it easier on ALL artists; as JFK once said, “The life of the arts far from being an interruption, a distraction in the life of a nation, is close to the center of a nation’s purpose — and is a test of the quality of a nation’s civilization.”
I will ALWAYS be a glass-half-full sort of person, it’s just my nature.
Kindness,
James
Hi,
I sent an note/comment (before I was finished.) the “done” button was too close to my scrolling feature.
I guess writing these things on a cell phone can be disastrous. I had much more to say, so when I get back to my larger keyboard/ computer in the AM, I’d like to rewrite/complete and send as a whole piece in the comments if you’ll permit it. 😉
Thank you,
CAF
We all love you Carla… even IF your ‘scroll’ and ‘done’ buttons are too close together– it’s our differences that make us special. 😉
-james
While I’ve had the pleasure of James’ and author Patte’s company on many occasions, and am the proud host of one of James’ pieces, I had not fully grasped the depth of James’ story. Thank you Patte for a revealing profile, and best wishes to James as you continue your journey.
Hi Mark! Thank you for your wishes and wonderful comment.
The way to do is to be. A true artist of energy and spirit and unalloyed generosity.
I’ve been to James’ studio in Centralia. His ability to make hard, intransigent materials ebb and move like the promise of life is a revelation.
Wonderful article!
My wife and eye have coveted James work and that assistant that picked the art has a great eye. Helios is one of my favorite pieces and Industrial Heart is my wife’s favorite piece. Good article, I was able learn more about this artist and his journey, someday I will have the money to acquire one of James large pieces. His smaller pieces are great but the manufacturing background in me really appreciates the difficulty of working with large stainless pieces. To take that metal and turn it into great sculptures with such fine detail is amazing to me. The… Read more »
Paul, you’re too kind! Give your beautiful wife a hug from me please. There will ALWAYS be a piece waiting for you.
Hugs!
James
On my 51st birthday this year, my mother surprised me with a piece created by James Kelsey – considered “small” within the scope of his work, but to me it was huge in every way imaginable – the unexpectedness of it, the fact that it was the complete opposite of pieces we have in our house and the house itself, yet fits in as if it has lived on our wooden fireplace mantel forever. When I take the time to look at it for a few minutes, my thoughts, moods, tense muscles – everything seems to smooth out and breathe.… Read more »
Kelly, your mother is an amazing and wonderful creature. I’m so glad the sculpture makes you happy. I think everyone needs more beauty in their daily lives and I love the photo you sent me of the piece’s new home.
Hugs. -James
Very nicely written, Ms. Patte! I am proud to say I know James and Patte and have been a member of Reel Friends for several years. James is a man of great stamina and a visionary who inspires every person he meets. I look forward to continuing my friendship with James and Reel Friends with many more hugs in the future!
Ms. LeVan DOES have a way with the words, doesn’t she? Thank you for your wonderful comments, Patrick.
Peace (and hugs!),
James
Love, Love this article. Patte has really depicted most truly the last year of James Kelsey’s artistic time in the wilderness. As a friend of both Patte and James it is with great relief that he is now stronger than ever. The new studio does need more work, but it is now possible to see James’ vision at the beginning coming to pass! I have to add here, that I am only the photographer for 3 of the 5 photos in the article. Two, the before and after exterior shots of the new studio, are from James Kelsey who is… Read more »
Thank you for that correction, Ron, and my apologies for the faulty attribution.
No problem James, the articles and photos, mine and James, look great on your site.
For EVERYONE’S information, Ron (or Ronaldo as I call him) is the OFFICIAL photographer for Team Kelsey. He’s an amazing man- but don’t tell him I said so, it would just go to his head. 😉
Thank you, Ron.
Love you…. James