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Kelli Urabe

Kelli UrabeArtist Bio

Graphic Design Specialist
University Communications
Office of the President
Instagram

Born and raised in Hawaii, I decided to venture off the rock in the Pacific and study Digital Art at the University of Oregon. After living in my college town for three years and searching for full-time graphic design jobs to no avail, I decided to take the leap and move to California in 2015.

In the fall of 2016, I stepped out of my comfort zone, and participated in my very first pop-up art show in San Diego. This, along with my subscription to the monthly ArtSnacks box, reignited my passion to explore art mediums beyond the digital canvas.

My art is all over the place, meaning, I can’t narrow it down to one specific genre or medium. My handle on Instagram was called “A Funny Thing Called Art” (as well as an art blog I started in college) for that reason. Even though my main love is to draw, I always found myself wanting to try out other traditional mediums and creative outlets, including digital art, photography, and videography. Basically, whatever helps me to explore this funny thing called art (See what I did there).

Even with all that said, my style tends to gravitate towards making things cute. I’ve never perceived myself as cool or sexy, so I think that is reflected in my artwork. Cute and colors make me happy; I’m pretty much a child. Every now and then I manage to draw something really cool and out of my comfort level, and it always throws me for a loop. I think I’m still trying to figure out what exactly my style is, but in the meantime, I’m just having fun! That’s the way I think art is supposed to be.

I started working at CSUSM in May 2022. Even though the time has been short, I love this campus community and am happy for this opportunity.

Artwork by Kelli Urabe

"Flower Fields Forever"
Art Medium: Digital Photography

I took a solo trip to the Flower Fields one summer and got to really slow down and enjoy it at my own pace. It truly is a beautiful place to be.

"The Great Migration Fiesta"
Art Medium: Acryilic on Wood

This was a part of a month-long AAPI Art Show exhibit in La Jolla this past May. It was based off an old piece that I wanted to freshen up with new colors.

"Sun Ray"
Art Medium: Copic Markers

The art show that this was made for had a limited color palette theme. What I discovered is that a lot of sea creatures are very surreal and make great subjects for such a challenge.

Featured in Spring 2023 Exhibit

"The Bee-sy Season"
Art Medium: Color Photograph

Taken at a Lavender Festival during my last summer living in Oregon. I enjoyed finding a new adventure every weekend to ExplOregon, and even though this was a small festival, I was glad that I made it with my friend who also loved to take photos.

"Home is Where the SPAM is"
Art Medium: Acrylic on Wood, Origami

This piece was a part of a month-long art show at Mike Hess Brewing in San Diego called “Melting Pot” where all the pieces reflected the various backgrounds of the participating artists. Spam is my taste of home. Is there anywhere else that loves Spam as much as Hawaii does? 

"Moonshine"
Art Medium: Ink on Paper

Originally created for a Harvest Moon art show in Vista but has made appearances at several other art shows in the San Diego area since then.