Kelly Daniels is the owner and artist behind Cosmic Creativ, a handcrafted business of home goods made with resin art. Daniels graduated from Florida A&M University in 2009 with a double bachelor’s in Architecture and Architectural Science. She moved to Atlanta and fulfilled her dream job at one of the top 35 architecture firms in the country. Life as an entrepreneur never crossed her mind, but now she says she couldn’t have even dreamt a life as beautiful as the one she now lives.
As a one-woman show, Kelly hand pours, trims, photographs, packages, and ships every piece herself. She creates home essentials, from accent tables to cutting boards and serving trays. She has been a full-time entrepreneur for eight years and has been doing full-time resin art for the past three.
First off: What exactly is resin art?
Resin is a two-part material that when combined converts from a liquid to a solid. It’s a nearly indestructible material and food safe too! What I love most about resin is its fluidity, layering potential, and high gloss properties.
How did you get started with resin art, and how did that translate into designing home goods?
As artists, we’re always taking inspiration from those before us. I saw resin art long before I even knew what it was. I first remember seeing (what I now know was) a resin piece in a coffee shop down by the beach on the Gulf Coast, where I’m from. It wasn’t until about five years ago that I found resin and started to experiment. There was no turning back for me after that; it’s been all resin ever since! It’s an expensive material though, and wall art or tabletops can be a real commitment. Home goods were a great way for me to make my art more giftable. Most of my boards are under $100.
How did you come up with the name “Cosmic Creativ”?
I’m a total space nerd. I even earned my wings as an Advanced Astronaut from the Space & Rocket Center in Huntsville, AL! Adult Space Camp is a thing. It sets me apart, and I wanted my business to reflect that part of my life. It’s also a great excuse for me to nerd out and share space stuff with my clients.
What does a typical workday look like for you?
I’m constantly pouring, and I’m constantly experimenting. Home goods are a constant for me, which is nice. I mix it up with custom wall art, tables, and new projects like stove top covers. I’ve been spending a lot of time in a shared workshop lately, too; it’s called Mass Collective. There, I have full access to large woodworking machinery, where I’m making larger furniture pieces with rare wood, and I am using resin in new and different ways.
As an artist, how do you push yourself to express your creativity in new and unique ways?
Pushing myself isn’t the problem. I’m constantly dreaming…
Why is it important for you to allow your clients to customize their purchases?
Art is personal! If we can incorporate your wedding colors or match a friend’s decor, then it means more to me, too.
Where would you like to see Cosmic Creativ in the next 5 years?
Dare I dream to have my own store?! Goodness, that would be incredible.
