Kelly Mccallum

About the Artist

British-based artist and maker Kelly McCallum is celebrated for her rich and imaginative practice that weaves together jewellery, wearable art, sculpture, painting and works on paper. Her distinctive aesthetic draws on themes of natural history, mythmaking, self-narrative and storytelling, creating a unique voice in contemporary art and designer jewellery

Education & Artistic Formation

Kelly undertook her Bachelor of Fine Arts at the Rhode Island School of Design (RISD) in 2001, then went on to gain a Bachelor of Science (Cum Laude) in Animal Science/Pre-Veterinary studies at the University of Massachusetts in 2002. She returned to RISD for metalsmithing studio work in 2003-04 before relocating to London to complete her MA at the Royal College of Art from 2004-06. This solid grounding in both fine art and craft reflects in her hybrid practice of jewellery, sculpture and fine art.

Artistic Practice & Themes

Kelly’s work extends across media — from finely wrought jewellery and wearable art to sculptural formations, paintings and works on paper — all underpinned by a fascination with the natural world, transformation and myth. Her practice explores narrative, natural history and the interplay between decay and preservation, self-mythology and storytelling. Having lived and worked for over a decade in London and spent time in the Algarve countryside of southern Portugal, her studio practice is imbued with both metropolitan and natural influences.

Exhibitions, Collections & International Reach

Kelly’s work has been exhibited widely across Europe, North America and beyond — including solo and group shows in the UK, USA, Switzerland, Germany, France, Poland, Portugal and Korea. In the UK, she has shown work at venues such as the Victoria and Albert Museum (V&A), Goldsmiths’ Hall, Sotheby’s, Selfridges and Liberty London. Her works are held in private collections worldwide, underlining her global appeal and the powerful blend of craft and fine art in her jewellery and sculpture.