Kelly Thiel is a sculptor and painter, located in Bend, Oregon. She is obsessed with personal narratives that she shares in her creations.

Kelly Thiel started in clay in 1998. Her first choice for expression in art, the clay became a way to share emotions and stories, in a way that words just couldn't capture. She loves to create intense portraits that command a connection to the viewer.
In 2009, Kelly’s life shifted and she began more drawing and painting, in addition to the clay work. She found that the two mediums informed each other and soothed a different kind of need. Still creating portraits, her images became large and colorful, often with some words in the background.
Kelly’s life shifted again in 2014, when she moved from Charleston, SC to Bend, OR where she started a shared workspace business in the local creative community.
Kelly participates in nationwide exhibitions, and has also been part of two international groups shows. She teaches both sculpture and painting classes from coast to coast, and loves meeting like-minded people.

In 2021, Kelly remarried and now goes by the name of Kelly Odden, though her art business is still known as Kelly Thiel Studio.

Kelly’s work can be found at:

Bedouin, Sisters, Oregon

Kunthius, UK

Revealed Gallery, Charleston, SC