Dark Art and Surreal Visions with Brett Kelley

In the latest episode of The Gothic Heart, I had the pleasure of chatting with Brett Kelley, an artist whose journey is just as eclectic and fascinating as his work. We bonded over everything from goth culture to growing up as the odd one out in traditional families, and how those experiences shaped us both personally and professionally. Brett’s story is all about embracing individuality, pursuing creative passions, and staying true to himself no matter what. Let’s explore some of the key moments from our conversation.

The Challenges of Finding Acceptance as Goth Kids

Growing up goth wasn’t always easy for either of us. Brett shared what it was like being diagnosed with ADHD at a young age and feeling out of place in his traditional Irish Catholic family. As “the artist” in a sports-centered family, he gravitated toward goth, heavy metal, and alternative culture, finding solace in being himself even when it felt like others didn’t understand. The beauty of goth culture is how it draws people in who feel like outsiders, and Brett’s experience of not always fitting in resonated deeply with me. We both talked about how, back then, it was harder to find your tribe, but the internet and evolving societal norms have made it easier to connect with like-minded souls today.

Embracing Personal Interests Professionally

What I love about Brett’s story is how he’s managed to embrace his personal interests professionally from the start. He mentioned that one of the main reasons he was excited to join the podcast was to talk about individuality and authenticity, and how he’s leaned into those values through his art. Brett has worn many creative hats over the years—stunt performer, makeup artist, theme park actor—but throughout all of that, his love for spooky, gothic themes has remained at the core of his work. From designing enamel pins to creating artwork inspired by Celtic, Halloween, and goth fantasy elements, Brett’s career is a testament to following what excites you, even when others don’t quite see your vision.

I couldn’t help but connect with this on a personal level. My own journey took me through different professional paths—law school, operations—before I fully embraced my love for gothic and Victorian-inspired jewelry. It’s something I think we can all relate to: sometimes, it takes time to align your passions with your work, but when you do, it feels like you’re finally living authentically.

The Fascination with Enamel Pins

One of Brett’s more recent creative outlets has been designing enamel pins, and let me tell you, I’m obsessed. Enamel pin collecting has become a huge thing in recent years, and Brett’s designs are packed with personality and gothic charm. He started creating his own pins in 2021, inspired by his love of spooky aesthetics, and it’s turned into a significant part of his artistic journey. He shared that it was the process of collecting pins from other artists that sparked his interest in designing his own, and now he’s got a whole collection that speaks to his style and audience.

What’s great about Brett’s pin journey is that it’s not just about creating cool designs—there’s a community aspect to it. He talked about how connecting with other collectors and creators has been a big part of the fun, which is something I totally get. Whether it’s jewelry, art, or pins, there’s something magical about finding a community that shares your passion.

  

Exploring Creativity through Surreal Estate

One of the standout projects Brett discussed was his Surreal Estate series, which showcases his love for architecture, gothic fantasy, and a bit of the eerie. He talked about how this project was inspired by a tiny sketchbook he submitted to the Brooklyn Art Museum’s Sketchbook Museum, and how a series of serendipitous events led him to rediscover this forgotten work. The idea behind Surreal Estate is to explore whimsical, surreal interpretations of homes—something that perfectly aligns with Brett’s style of mixing the macabre with the fantastical.

The creativity behind Surreal Estate really highlights Brett’s artistic evolution and his ability to turn even the smallest spark of inspiration into something much larger. He’s taken this concept and run with it, creating zines and art books filled with these surreal homes, and it’s become a beloved part of his artistic portfolio.

Staying True to Yourself as an Artist

If there’s one thing that stood out the most from our conversation, it’s Brett’s unwavering commitment to being true to himself as an artist. Whether it was finding his place in the goth scene, pursuing his passion for art despite the challenges, or staying authentic through his various career shifts, Brett has always followed his instincts. He shared how important it is to make art that speaks to you first and foremost, and I couldn’t agree more. When you’re creating from a place of authenticity, the right people will find and connect with your work.

At the end of the day, this episode was a reminder of how powerful it is to embrace your individuality, lean into your passions, and stay true to who you are—whether that’s through art, music, or whatever else speaks to your soul. Brett’s journey is a perfect example of how staying authentic can lead you to some pretty amazing places, and I’m so grateful we got to share this conversation.