Inis Kettle

Art has the ability to transform lives. Over the years my work has afforded me the ability to witness thousands of individual’s unique artistic techniques unfold on a daily basis. Doors of possibilities open when an individual works on art. The artist starts thinking and reflecting about what they are doing and why, as the process unfolds. The next step for many artists is connecting with others by sharing their creations and talking about it. While artists are taking these steps, they are also experiencing the benefits of art by creating positive new ideas and reshaping the way they experience the world.

Making art is a personal experience for every artist. Having a safe and non-judgmental studio environment nurtures creative expression. An individual beginning their artistic journey might ask, “What do you want me to do?” Soon they discover art is an opportunity to ask themselves: “What do I want to do? Who am I? What do I want to express? And how do I do this with the tools I have?” They are finding their inner voice and problem-solving ways to communicate it.

Following the completion of an art piece many artists need to talk about it. This is evident by the countless pieces of art that has been delivered to my office, emails with photographs of latest works attached, and numerous calls for appointments to bring art by for a critique. An open studio provides artists a space to invite others to view their work. Every piece is different and has an artist behind it with an extraordinary perspective and story to share. These stories come out in a trusted environment. Soon the passion the artists feel for their work brings them to a place where they are ready to share it with the larger community.

In addition, artists have reported that the artistic process has had positive effects on their overall well-being. They feel things such as an ability to focus, an ability to complete a project, less anxiety, happiness, and peace. Perhaps more importantly, artists are engaging with the community and developing an awareness of others. These are all key components to achieving goals and living a more productive life.

Changes that occur through a life infused with art offer us hope for growth and a better understanding of ourselves and each other. The personal act of creating can unveil thoughts, feelings, dreams, and the imagination an artist has within. We have the possibility of connecting through shared, unique stories and ways in which artists view their world. When artists are working, they are also developing skills that will serve them in all areas of their life. Artists are often surprised when they first hear and see their creative voice coming through, for many had no idea it was possible until they had the chance to discover it.

Written by Amy L.A. Smith

Revision from Smith's initial publication with:

Arts and Culture Collaborative

Inis Kettle's "Creating Studio Time"

 is an integrated art opportunity

 for private as well as group,

 virtual as well as in person workshops,

 in the areas of visual art, writing, dance and music. 

Spotlighted Workshop Offerings:

Starting a New Chapter (Sketchbook)

Starting a New Chapter (Journal)

The Stories on Our Bookshelf

Mind Maps

Sunshine Day

Rainbow Bridge Reflections and Expressions

Gratitude

Ornaments

Opening the Door to Creativity

and more!

Creative Celebrations:

World Art Day (April 15th)

International Dance Day (April 29th)

National Day on Writing (October)

National Poetry Month (April)

Earth Day (April)

and more!

Along with commission opportunities, original paintings, drawings, assemblages, photography, and sculptures by Amy L.A. Smith, the Inis Kettle shop (on Etsy) offers cards, ornaments, sketchbooks, baskets, jewelry, personalized candle sticks, flowerpots, and more! If there is something missing in the shop that you had your eyes on or had in mind, please reach out. If it is meant to be it will be! Visit often for new inspiration!

Available:

The "Dancer Series" is available for exhibit. 

Collectors:

Select "Dancer Series" pieces are available in the Inis Kettle shop. 

Commission opportunities available for:

*Dancer Series: Solo

*Dancer Series: Group

*Dancer Series: Dance Studio

Stay tuned for:

"Dancer Series" Workshops

Inspiration:

 First, we have to build a dancefloor for all of the creative ideas. Dance was my first creative outlet! Naturally, I fell in love with this creative form of expression and I have continued dancing.  The blank canvas is my dancefloor and life is the dance. My mom made sure I was registered for dance lessons by the age of four.  Soon my sister, cousins, friends and neighbors were with me putting on choreographed, as well as impromptu, performances in the yard or garage.  My family spent years dropping me off at the studio and picking me up as well as weekends traveling New England so that I could compete. For some time, I had the key to the dance studio and recall spending seven days a week in that space between classes, teaching and rehearsing for competitions. As the years progressed, I welcomed opportunities to teach dance classes at the studio, at schools in Avon and Bloomfield, CT, for the Arts in Action program in Avon, CT as well as choreograph performances for the Avon Junior Theatre summer program. Dance teaching was my first job.  I was later blessed with the opportunity to spend some time studying Dance Pedagogy at the Hartford Conservatory, Hartford, CT. As miracles would happen, in 2022 the opportunity arrived through my employment with MHC to create an open dance studio at the MHC Art of Wellbeing Studio with Hispanic Health Council at the Family Wellness Center.  in Hartford, CT.  Through my employment with MHC, I was also afforded the opportunity to work with and learn from Judy Dworin and the Justice Dance Performance Project. 

 The dream was to have a dance studio, my mom called it Amy's Starlight Studio.  Now through Inis Kettle's Dancer Series the dream and dance continue.  My sister once compared me to the Greek Muse of dance, Terpsichore, who was always in motion.  The Dancer Series is a reflection of the motion I see and internally feel as an artist, as a dancer.  Will you dance with me?  5,6,7,8

Available:

The Bookshelf Series is available for exhibit. 

Collectors:

Select "Bookshelf Series" pieces are available in the Inis Kettle shop.

Commission opportunities available for: *Bookshelf Series: Family Bookshelf"

*Bookshelf Series: Library Series

*Bookshelf Series: Storybook Collection

*Bookshelf Series: Beach Books

*Bookshelf Series: Mini Bookshelf

Stay tuned for:

"The Stories on Our Bookshelf" Workshops

Inspiration: 

 Knowledge and power exist in the written word; it is an art! Books have the ability to transcend us, teach us, and illuminate our dreams.  Books are always there for us. Although we want to read them all, there is simply not enough time.  Looking at a bookshelf, I imagine the many places the stories will bring me, I remember the characters who felt like family, I study and breathe the illustrations and photographs on the covers and pages, the titles spark my curiosity.  Books remind me of home. Pages turn.  Everyone has a story and when we take the time to learn them, we understand one another better. They often leave us with new ideas and question. For many years I have known that I have a story to write and share. The Bookshelf Series is part of how I share my stories and learn the stories of others. 

The Bookshelf Series has been spotlighted in exhibit with Open Studios Hartford and Artists in Real Time at the Aetna Gallery in Hartford, CT. and at the Bell Library at Ethal Walker School in Simsbury, CT. as well as numerous group exhibits, auction, and private collections.  

Our creative companions are a constant source of love and inspiration.  Inis Kettle offers a free Studio Cats and Dogs group on Facebook for members to connect and share photos and stories of their studio cats and dogs. We have even seen studio bear and birds participate! Be sure to follow and share!

Collectors:

"Studio Cats and Dogs" Block Prints are available for sale in the Inis Kettle shop. 

Stay tuned for:

"Rainbow Bridge Reflections and Expressions"- Workshop

Inspiration:

Studio Cats and Dogs was inspired by a sweet and sassy Tortoiseshell kit-cat named Katniss O'Batniss (aka Cuteness), and a Belgian Malinois/Black Mouth Cur pup named Finnegan.  This good boy found me on the side of the road in the woods and adopted me.  Finnegan is more well known by his stage name, Big Baby Finn.  His tag can be seen on numerous Community Canvas.

Over the years, these two creative creatures became studio companions. Have you ever woken up to find paint brushes in your bed, gone into the studio and found images reworked, or had painted paw prints show up across the floor? If you have then you know that you wouldn't change it for anything.  Studio Cats and Dog's love and support help keep that creative energy moving.