Born to. Episode Two: Mike Kelly

Hello and welcome back to Jo’s Art History Podcast. This episode is part of a special five part series, produced in collaboration with British Art Fair and PensionBee, celebrating five artists who’ve found a second act in life through their creative practice. Their work will be shown as part of the Born To exhibition at British Art Fair this September.The ArtistMike Kelly spent a long career in corporate consulting, with photography always running in the background. After seeing his daughter fall in love with her time studying at Manchester Metropolitan University, Mike enrolled in the same MA in Photography, starting the course the same year she finished it. He went in without expectations, and has since been amazed by how warm and inclusive he’s found the environment despite his age. In a short space of time he’s picked up awards, commissions including a large scale piece for Manchester School of Art, solo exhibitions, and a show at the Mall Galleries in London. He even sold his first piece of artwork to a curator during the application process for this very exhibition.Featured worksThreshold V & Threshold II, both UV cured photographic prints on GF Smith PikeWebsite: www.mikeakelly.com Instagram: @mikeakelly.workPensionBeeThis episode’s PensionBee segment asks: Why do you need to consolidate your old pensions?Thank you to our partner PensionBee, a leading online pension provider on a mission to build pension confidence so that everyone can enjoy a happy retirement. PensionBee’s exciting campaign ‘Born to Retire’ highlights how retirement isn’t the end of your life, it’s just the beginning. In celebration of this campaign, PensionBee is holding a feature exhibition ‘Born To’ at British Art Fair, showcasing what becomes possible when financial security gives people the freedom to pursue their passions. Curated by me, Jo McLaughlin, presenter of Jo’s Art History, the artists featured are all aged 50 and over, with practices that reflect longevity, reinvention, or sustained creative ambition. Discover the exhibition from 24 to 27 September at the Saatchi Gallery, London.PensionBee’s monthly podcast, The Pension Confident Podcast, aims to help listeners better understand the world of personal finance and pensions. Listen or watch the full episodes on YouTube. Their website and award-winning app help savers understand pensions with helpful tools like their Pension Calculator, blogs, and videos. With PensionBee, you can manage your pension savings online with ease and can combine and contribute from one place. Self-employed pension savers can even open a flexible pension plan, contributing as often or as little as they like. Find out how PensionBee can help you retire well.When investing, your money is at risk.Thank you for listening & supporting Jo's Art History Podcast