PASSWORDMANAGEMENT
Kelli Urabe
Artist Bio
Graphic Design Specialist
University Communications
Office of the President
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鈥檛 narrow it down to one specific genre or medium. My handle on Instagram was called 鈥淎 Funny Thing Called Art鈥 (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鈥檝e never perceived myself as cool or sexy, so I think that is reflected in my artwork. Cute and colors make me happy; I鈥檓 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鈥檓 still trying to figure out what exactly my style is, but in the meantime, I鈥檓 just having fun! That鈥檚 the way I think art is supposed to be.
I started working at 大发 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
"I Still Believe"
Art Medium: Poscas on canvas
Originally created for a cryptids show down in North Park. The Lochness Monster is one of my favorites, and I thought this would be a cute way to depict her.
"Summer Scent"
Art Medium: Poscas on canvas
This piece arose from a mini art break at home. I wanted to try and use a hot pink color for my line work, instead of the usual purple or black. At first I didn鈥檛 like how this piece was turning out, so I walked away from it. After taking a break, I came back to look at how it dried, and I had a new found appreciation for it. This is its first time being on display!
"3 for 1000"
Art Medium: Poscas & acrylics on cavas
This piece was originally created for the 2024 API Group Art Show at Thumbprint Gallery in La Jolla. I loved making paper cranes when I was growing up, as well as other origami things. This piece is titled 3 for 1000 because in order to make a wish, it鈥檚 tradition to fold 1000.
Featured in Fall 2023 Exhibit
"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: Acrylic 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 鈥淢elting Pot鈥 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.