Kellie Hovelson's artistic journey began as a child, living on the picturesque shores of Lake Norman, North Carolina during the 1970s-80s. Her life was woven into the tapestry of the surrounding forests and meadows that surrounded her home at that time. With the lake serving as her personal sanctuary for hiking, swimming and fishing, she developed a love for all living things. These early experiences in nature instilled in Kellie a profound appreciation for the natural world, which would later emerge as a central theme in her art.

Though her passion for the arts was kindled from a young age, it was not until her late 40s that Kellie embarked on her artistic path in earnest. Photography became her newfound passion, an outlet that allowed her to capture the world around her in its raw, unaltered form. Kellie describes photography as therapy and expresses her emotions and thoughts through the lens of her camera. This creative journey evolved as she began utilizing her photographs to craft digital art, blending her love for nature with innovative techniques.

Kellie's artistic endeavors are primarily self-taught, and she proclaims herself as a hobbyist photographer. Despite her lack of formal training in the arts, her work exudes a genuine reverence for the natural world, seeking to glorify the beauty of God's creation. Her artistic lineage continues through her daughter, an accomplished visual artist herself, who excels in drawing, painting, and photography.

Before delving fully into photography, Kellie's career traversed various fields. As a high school senior, she balanced part-time jobs, first as a school bus driver and then as a waitress, eventually venturing into graphic design, a field she dedicated 25 years to before seeking a change to a less demanding career. This led her back to driving a school bus, a role she now fulfills alongside tutoring 3rd to 5th graders, sharing her passion for learning and mentorship.

Although Kellie's art has yet to grace formal gallery spaces, she actively participates in art and craft shows, where her pieces resonate with audiences drawn to the natural world. Her inspiration remains deeply rooted in her love for God’s beautiful creation, and by sharing this beauty, she reflects her values of appreciation and reverence for nature and even more so - God.

Outside of her artistic and professional pursuits, Kellie finds joy and solace in camping, hiking, and fishing—hobbies that echo her love for the outdoors and further enrich her connection to the landscapes that inspire her work. Her art captures the simplicity and grandeur of nature, resonating with viewers and inviting them to pause and appreciate the world around them.

As Kellie continues her journey as a hobbyist photographer, she remains committed to showcasing the untouched beauty of nature. Her work, an expression of her core beliefs, invites others to admire and respect the beauty that surrounds them, affirming the timeless role of art in celebrating and preserving the essence of the natural world.