Martin O’Brien-Kelly, “Chaang”, Gelatin Silver Print, 8.5″ x 11″, Framed

Martin O’Brien-Kelly is a local Canadian artist residing in Calgary, Alberta.  His creative efforts span the realms of drawing, block printing, photography and stencil spray paint imagery.  He was inspired in his early teenage years by a documentary on the art of Vincent Van Gogh and began painting and sketching abstract lines and curves.  While studying Philosophy at Bishops’ University he continued his artistic journey by enrolling in a fine art drawing course.  After graduating, he acquired his first SLR camera and began a 6 year photographic exploration while living, working, volunteering and studying throughout south-east Asia.

Much of his body of work focuses on portraiture, urban and rural life/street silhouette images and capturing his volunteer experiences.  Martin collaborated with local socio-economic development non-governmental organizations to document and report on the progress and success of their community work.  In 2006, after graduating from Chulalongkorn University in Bangkok with a Masters’ Degree in International Development Studies, he returned to Alberta to pursue a career creating mutually beneficial relationships between Indigenous communities and natural resource extraction companies.

Martin volunteers with the City of Calgary Aboriginal Urban Affairs Committee and is a board member with the Indigenous Gathering Place Society Calgary.  Martin is a father with two beautiful sons.

Website: martinjobk.com

Instagram: martinjobk

Email: martinjobkartist@gmail.com