Salvage Renaissance partnered with Housing Works to upcycle 100 pieces to sell. Through this collaboration, Salvage Renaissance commissioned 6 bespoke artists to upcycle these pieces in their unique expression and style. We talked with one of the artists, Kelly Steele, about her background as an artist and her connection to Housing Works.
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“My name is Kelly Steele, and I'm originally from Long Island, New York. I currently live in Cincinnati Ohio and work as a soft goods designer for an engineering firm. I moved around a lot in my young life, but I will always have a special place in my heart for southern Long Island. In particular, I lived in and loved a little village called Lindenhurst. My high school teachers at that school were so pivotal in my young life and my future. I had the privilege of being a student under the tutelage of three teachers. These amazing educators taught so many different techniques and types of art history. Each one possessed various skills as artists, but all were fearless and approachable. A major takeaway from those three people was that there is no one-size-fits-all approach to art. One teacher was technical and precise, the second was just off-the-wall and zany, and the third was a peaceful & quiet soul (and somewhere in between). I was so lucky to know and be encouraged by them. Perhaps the most memorable was Mr. Greco, whose life was cut short way too soon (in 1989). He died from complications of AIDS, during a time where there were few options for those who were afflicted. Future students at my school missed out on learning from Mr. Greco, who was a master and a great technical artist. He also happened to be the kindest human ever. It was really heartbreaking to lose Mr. Greco, a teacher who went above and beyond the call of duty. He was there to see students through and celebrate their high school journeys. I always thought he would be someone with whom I could come back and share my stories and successes. I will never get the chance to thank Mr. Greco, but participating in this project with Housing Works is a token of my appreciation.”
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If you are interested in following Kelly’s work, her website is kellysteele.net