NICHOLE GRONVOLD ROLLER
There are No Bad Parts, only pure, authentic expression. “After Before,” an upcoming exhibition by Kelly Scarfe (kellyscarfe.com) at MUSE Gallery (musemorton.com), is a richly layered exploration of color, mark-making, and the passage of time. Immersed in personal loss and the ongoing healing process, Scarfe’s paintings cultivate a hiatus of production and an outpouring of energetic creation. Scarfe transforms absence into presence through an introspective approach, revealing a personal exploration that embraces forgiveness and understanding of oneself.
Upon first encounter, Scarfe’s art resists easy categorization. One body of artwork consists of aggressively applied marks, bold blocks of color in contrast to others with structured color harmonies, and organized forms with modern undertones. These groupings may seem disjointed; however, this deliberate tension is central to the work’s impact.
KELLY SCARFE
During a recent studio visit, Scarfe laid out the paintings she plans to include in “After Before,” explaining that they are deeply connected to her mental-health journey. “There was a large swath of time that I was unable to create.” she shared. “It has taken me at least two years of heavy therapy to get to the point where I could paint again and create in the way I used to before.”
However, she acknowledges that the “before” she once knew will never be the same.
Scarfe’s personal growth with her therapist greatly influenced her return to the studio, as she implemented the Internal Family Systems (IFS) model developed by Dr. Richard Schwartz. IFS’s founder reveals, “Our parts can sometimes be disruptive or harmful, but once they’re unburdened, they return to their essential goodness. When we learn to love all our parts, we can learn to love all people — and that will contribute to healing the world.”
‘What Happens in Fight Club’ 18×18 inches created with acrylic, gouache, wax pastel, and colored pencil.
PHOTO COURTESY KELLY SCARFE
In the aftermath of the loss of both parents, the impact of COVID-19, and the recent death of her brother, Scarfe found herself unable to create. Grief and trauma had taken hold, leaving her disconnected from her artistic practice. However, Scarfe recognized that her trauma was not something to be put aside or forgotten, but an integral part of who she is.
“To deny my creative self in one of those parts is denying that part exists,” the artist said.
By acceptance, she worked with her experiences rather than against them, finding a path back to her creative process.
Scarfe’s perseverance gave her confidence in her artwork, which is a significant hurdle for many artists. Her paintings embody an unapologetic, genuine voice, as she boldly states that if her work isn’t for you, so be it.
MUSE Gallery recently launched a new exhibition format, and Scarfe will be the first to hold a solo show under this new structure.
‘Let Go’ 18×18 inches created with acrylic, gouache, wax pastel, and colored pencil.
PHOTO COURTESY KELLY SCARFE
“Our gallery walls will transform every six weeks with new art from a different local artist. Watch our events for updates, and we hope you can join us for our first Fourth Friday on March 28,” said Katie VandenBerg, owner of Focused Forward Divorce Coaching and co-founder of MUSE. “Kelly Scarfe, who has been so ingrained in the community of Morton … Her work is the perfect brightness we all need as we transition into warmer days.”
MUSE Gallery actively participates in Fourth Fridays, a community event where visitors can meet the artist, view new works, and enjoy hors d’oeuvres and drinks from 5 to 8 p.m. “MUSE was born from the desire to highlight the wildly talented artists while also inspiring people to notice their creative sparks and act upon them. Communities blossom where there is creativity, and supporting local artists strengthens those communities,” VandenBerg adds.
MUSE Gallery is located at 71 E Queenwood Rd, Morton. “After Before” will run March 28-May 9, with an opening reception from 5-8 p.m. the 28th.
https://ifs-institute.com/nobadparts
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