The art of the abstract colourist Bridget Kelly – who has Down syndrome and is mostly non-verbal – received a strong response at Vivid Sydney this year. Her art is a powerful form of communication. I interviewed her by text, with the help of her sister, Morag. Later, I talked to her parents, Matthew Kelly and Kate McNamara.

Fitz: Bridget, congratulations on your art. When did you take it up?

BK: I have been drawing since I was little but I started using Posca pens in year 12 at St Scholastica’s College, Glebe, which I went to with my two sisters. That was when I got really excited about my art.

Bridget Kelly in front the ASN Clock Tower in the Rocks, on which her artwork was projected during Vivid.

Fitz: When did you realise you were not just good at it, but seriously talented?

BK: When I finished high school, I kept doing my art because it made me happy. When I was 21, I won the Blooming Arts “Emerging Artist” Prize. I won a mentorship to University of Sydney College of the Arts. I felt happy because people started to call me an artist.

Fitz: Who are your greatest artistic influences?

BK: I get ideas for my art from the world around me. I like colours and shapes and showing people how I see things!

Fitz: What did your parents and sisters say when you told them your work was to be displayed at Vivid?

BK: They were so excited and happy for me. They told me they were really proud. I am the first (and probably last) person in my family to........

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