Artist Teddy Kelly is living by his mantra, “Follow the Bliss” and “Enjoy the Ride!” He has just completed two new murals for the Encino Courtyard on Ventura Boulevard that express his optimistic philosophy.
Shoppers are now greeted by two bright murals painted by Kelly — one which hits you front and center with the words – “Hello Encino!” and the other, with the words “Sun Shine” which shares the same upbeat, vibrant design. The murals are a focal point for the newly redesigned 106,000-square-foot Encino Courtyard.
“After a competitive search, we selected Teddy as the artist for these murals because his designs capture the vibrancy of the community in Encino,” said Rishika Mahtani, Director of Marketing for ShopCore Properties, owners and managing entity of Encino Courtyard. “His murals are a dynamic backdrops that welcome the community to the shopping center through art.”
Kelly’s art is described as “converging cultural influences,” — he was born in the United States but grew up in Mazatlan, Mexico. He describes his work as driven by “everyday life and his experiences with his surroundings.”
Growing up, he visited the United State and he was captivated by the art of Disney characters that reflected a distinct style. At his core, Kelly is influenced by the strong culture and art in his hometown that took many forms — including the beauty of growing up in a notable Mexican port city where he was immersed in the surfing and skateboarding subculture.
He moved to the United States after high school to further his education and gives credit to a mentor and friend who helped him conceptualize his ideas.
Now, as a professional artist and illustrator, his work is his “communication” he said, which allows him to bring his perspective to “inspire others the way he’s been inspired throughout his life.”
For more information on Teddy Kelly, visit his website at teddykelly.com.