A Northern California native, Jay Kelly settled in Venice, California after graduating from UCLA. He began his career in graphic design, yet quickly emerged as a notable fine artist with his unique figurative collages created from books, photos, and magazines.

Kelly has attracted the attention of collectors worldwide with solo exhibitions in Los Angeles, New York, Aspen, Park City, and Miami, and is represented by galleries in Los Angeles, Boston, Maui, Mill Valley (San Francisco), Park City, Seattle, Whistler, B.C. and throughout Germany.

His work has been featured in television shows and feature films, including the cult classic Donnie Darko, as well as in hotels, restaurants, and bars in Los Angeles, Chicago, and New York. In addition to his exhibitions, Kelly creates a steady stream of commissioned work for private and corporate clients.

I chose to paint with paper and various printed materials to achieve a unique depth to my work. By allowing the viewer to first see a complete, near-photorealistic image from a distance, then at a closer look to explore the many individual textures and bits of text, I can add layers of meaning to each piece. I love the effect that thousands of little bits of paper, all taken out of context, come together to create something new. I feel art should inspire, transport, and hopefully awe the viewer, that is certainly my intention with this series of collages.