Kelly McDermott – Artist, Author & Storyteller
Kelly McDermott was born in Asmara, Ethiopia in 1962 and has walked the road less traveled ever since. Growing up overseas, she lived in eight countries before moving to the U.S. at age 16. Since then, she has managed to visit an additional 24 countries in her quest to explore new cultures. This global experience has inspired an adventurous spirit and a disregard for convention, shaping both her storytelling and artistic approach.
As a writer, Kelly’s work has appeared in various publications, and her first book, "Did I Say That Out Loud?", is a collection of her stories available on Amazon and independent bookstores nationwide. Beyond the literary world, Kelly has always been drawn to creating with her hands, and "How hard could it be?" has long been a mantra for this maker. Over the years, she has explored various artistic mediums before discovering that mixed media provided the perfect foundation for her creative expression.
Her work combines traditional quilting techniques applied to canvas, with mark-making, acrylics, and collage, resulting in textured, abstract compositions that merge past and present. Each piece reflects her love of pattern, movement, and color, celebrating both tradition and experimentation. For Kelly, art is an extension of storytelling—a way to honor the handmade, the imperfect, and the deeply personal.
Today, Kelly lives in Winchester, Virginia. When she isn't writing about her adventures or creating new artwork, she spends as much time as possible with her three grandchildren, teaching them the value of reckless honesty and unhindered fun.
