Kelly Irving bought his first 35mm camera in 1970 and soon after setup a darkroom. During the intervening years photography and drawing have been the constants in his creation of art. However, he has also painted (acrylics, oils and a brief claim to fame as a graffiti artist!); made sculptures; worked in theatre as a set designer, sound technician and actor; worked in graphic design (owning his own business for 10 years) and has also created multimedia installation art.
These days his photo-based work has led him to explore 3D, sculptural pieces. Pop-ups, multilayered constructions, mazes and more are all part of his latest experiments. In 2011 to celebrate his 40 years of commitment to photography Kelly plans on several exhibitions that will feature both a retrospective look at his output and many new works. Stay tuned for updates!
Kelly also produces formal portraits for families, weddings and publication. His photos have been published in the Vancouver Sun, the Victoria Times Colonist, the Gulf Islands Driftwood and Island Tides newspapers. Magazine publication includes: Fine Woodworking, Bride (Australia), Monday Magazine (Victoria) and Aqua Magazine (Salt Spring). His artworks have been exhibited at over 20 exhibitions on Pender Island, and in Victoria, Vancouver and Toronto.
