kelly drake
image credit @redstockholm
If there’s something that can be said about Miami Marketta it is that the walls do not talk, they sing. With every inch of the venue meticulously curated with art; sometimes weird, always wonderful the space is so unique that it can not be compared to another. As you stroll around the different areas of the venue you begin to notice the evocative details that make up the eccentric aesthetics of Miami Marketta and how influential the art is to the energy of the space. Whilst there are many collaborators that have contributed to the various pieces at Marketta there is one woman who has worked alongside our Creative Director since the beginning to make Miami Marketta the artistic masterpiece that it is and that is our in-house Artist and magical all rounder, Kelly Drake.
A Gold Coast local since the age of 5, Kelly’s passion for art began in her early 20’s drawing pictures of musicians she liked. Whilst she was pregnant with her now 21 year old son Henry she dabbled in indigneous inspired paintings. Taking great inspiration from the talented Molly Pwerle, Kelly loved this kind of patterned painting using different shapes to create art. From here she began writing poetry, drawing abstract drawings and collaging.
As the years went on Kelly decided to try her hand at upcycling furniture working out of a studio in Currumbin. Our Creative Director Emma Milikins approached Kelly to buy some furniture for a cafe that was being built at Marketta.
‘Emma said, why don’t you come check out what we are doing over here. I said, “Hell Yeah, I’m there!”
Kelly then set up her shop at Studio 12 ; building, restoring and selling her furniture as well as her paintings.
As Miami Marketta continued to evolve into what we know of it today, Kelly has played a huge part in the aesthetics of the space, helping to bring Emma’s vision to life; building feature walls, assisting in redesigning the bars, creating murals as well as overseeing all the ins and outs of the venues makeup.
‘What we have been able to do here, bringing Emma’s dreams to the forefront together, it is truly special what we have been able to create.’
Throughout the venue we are treated to glimpses into Kelly’s enigmatic imagination using a great use of collage. Kelly has a way of making something mundane into a masterpiece. If you’ve ever been to the bathrooms here you will see what we mean! With so much to do to keep the place not only looking beautiful but also ensuring that the venue is maintained is a big job, luckily Kelly is up for the challenge.
image credit @redstockholm
‘Working here has kept me grounded, and it has been a huge support system in my life. I have been through alot in my time, this place has given me freedom to be creative, it’s like my second home.’
Miami Marketta really wouldn’t be what it is today without Kelly Drake’s unique and eclectic artistic flair and for that we thank her.
You can check out Kelly Drake's art on her instagram page @kellydrakeart as well everywhere around Marketta! Come and check it out!
