Artist Interviews 2025

Kelli Flitton  
By Laura Siebold



Kelli Flitton’s art makes you want to give out hugs. It reminds us of the power of family, community, and the importance of sharing. Kelli shares her gift of illustrating with both the young and older audience. She illustrates children’s books that make both children and adults smile; the power of nostalgia takes you back to the warmth of childhood when looking at her work. Kelli’s illustrations are much more than a piece of art; they evoke memories we get to keep forever. Read on about the artist’s way of getting lost in her work, and the importance of seasonal traditions in her life and art.



Can you please try to describe your art in three words? Please go into detail about why you chose those three words.

I would describe my art as fanciful, cozy, and enchanting. Fanciful, since I feel my art has imaginary, playful, whimsical, and quaint attributes. Cozy because that is how I like to feel most of time in my cocoon of a house or while walking in the deep woods. I try to portray that feeling in my drawings. I believe enchanting fits for the reason that my characters have a certain delightful quirkiness, sometimes silly in what they do, that evokes a certain charm. 




When did you choose art as your main profession? What led up to this moment?

I think I knew ever since I was little girl, drawing flowers and teddy bears with my crayons. My art teacher, as well as art club in my small-town high school played a big role in my decision to go to college to study art. I thought graphic design was a practical choice, but I soon realized that was very much not for me. Once I changed my major to Fine Arts, I never looked back. I relished all the options I had before me, and [through] that, I was able to experiment and explore many different mediums. 




How did you find your unique style and voice as an artist? What do you enjoy most about drawing and painting?

My style and voice as an artist have evolved quite a bit through the years. I have always been searching for the right fit and have been able to narrow down what I love most. Now that I’m older, I’m more in tune with myself and feel it’s okay to draw bears drinking whiskey and mice stirring pots of soup.

There are so many things I enjoy about drawing and painting but I think for me, being able to get lost in the entire process, with just myself, a cup of tea, and my big windows to look out, is the best. 




Your illustrations feature many different seasonal elements and characters. What do the four seasons mean to you, and how do you translate their meaning into illustrations?

Every season has so much meaning. Of course, my favorite is Autumn. But, each season has special meaning and evokes nostalgic memories and traditions. Whether it’s planting pansies in springtime, searching for mountain wildflowers in June, making the first loaf of pumpkin bread in the fall, or, that walk in the first snowfall of winter. My hope is that I can translate my personal seasonal traditions onto paper, so that maybe they will conjure up similar meanings or memories for others. 




Where do you find inspiration, and what might hinder your ability to create art?

I find inspiration in the simple everyday things. It could be from something I cooked in the kitchen to finding moss and tiny treasures on the forest floor. Also, the people and pets in my life are always giving me inspiration. I turn to old photos as well, especially photos of my Nanny. Nature is a huge inspiration, especially with being very fortunate living in the mountains. There are things to draw around every corner.

Sometimes, just the business of everyday life and not making the time for drawing is a hindrance. Going through hard times and feeling down, plays a role as well. I also think sometimes in today’s world of social media, an overload of images contributes to creative blocks for me. 




Your illustrations are very comforting and soothing to the eye and mind and portray a return to innocence. Do you think that art has the power to heal in today’s world?

I absolutely believe art has a magnificent power to heal in today’s world. I hope my illustrations are an escape from the harsh realities - images that allow one to step back to a simpler place or time. Something for the pure enjoyment and [that] can make someone smile. 




Where do you mostly exhibit your work, and what do you love most about engaging with the public?

I haven't exhibited my work in very many places. This is something I would like to do a little more of. I’ve participated in a handful of group, in-person and online shows. One of my favorites was a solo exhibit at a local distillery. What I love most is watching people react when they see a drawing that makes them happy. 




Where do nature and imagination intersect in your work?

I believe nature and imagination run parallel pretty early on in my work. Then, transitions from realism to something imaginary and unreal. For example, can you imagine walking in the forest, encountering a tiny cottage? Inside is a little bear wearing fuzzy socks, enjoying a bowl of soup in his favorite chair? Sounds pretty fantastical to me! 




Is there a goal you are working towards as an artist?

I have a couple more goals. I would love to illustrate another book or two or five. I also would love to possibly do a solo exhibit somewhere fun someday. 




What do you consider the greatest accomplishment of your artistic career?

I am pretty proud of the first book [I Think You’re Grand written by M.H. Clark] I recently had the privilege to illustrate. Also, knowing that my art has touched so many lives and has made its way to many parts of the world. But I think my biggest accomplishment, and it's a simple one, is that I have been fortunate to have found what I absolutely love to do.