Gratitude: Stories of the Heart - Artist Spotlight: Kellie Shepherd Moeller

Oyster Catchers - Kellie Shepherd Moeller

Sometimes gratitude arrives quietly.

It may be the soft rustle of deer wandering through the forest at dawn, the cheerful chatter of chickadees gathering nearby, or the unmistakable cry of Stellar Jays echoing through the "Enchanted Forest". These everyday encounters remind photographer and mixed media artist Kellie Shepherd Moeller that some of life's greatest gifts are found when we slow down long enough to notice.

Living in a tiny home nestled in the forested mountain of Lummi Island, Kellie begins many mornings with a cup of coffee and a front-row seat to nature's daily rhythm. Deer often wander through her yard, birds provide an ever-changing chorus, and each season offers new opportunities to witness the remarkable wildlife that calls the island home.

Those moments inspire both her photography and her mixed media artwork.

Whether through photography, calligraphy or mixed media, Kellie finds beauty in hidden places, creating work that invites viewers to look beyond the obvious and discover wonder in the ordinary. Her goal is to capture not only an image, but a feeling of wonder and create a desire in others to be a friend of nature. Faith, nature, contemplation, and simplicity are the foundation of her creative practice.

The birds featured in this exhibition hold a special significance. They are more than beautiful wildlife; they are beach companions, quiet teachers, and reminders of the interconnectedness of all living things. Each photograph celebrates the remarkable creatures that share this island with us and invites us to appreciate their presence.

Gratitude, for Kellie, begins with paying attention.

It grows from watching the changing light filter through the forest, hearing birds announce the beginning of a new day, or catching a fleeting glimpse of wildlife before it disappears back into the trees. These simple moments become gentle reminders that beauty surrounds us, often waiting patiently to be noticed.

Her hope is that visitors leave with a renewed appreciation for the natural world and a deeper awareness of the extraordinary life that exists just beyond our doorsteps.

Perhaps they'll pause a little longer to watch a bird at the feeder, notice the call of an owl at dusk, or smile at the sight of deer quietly moving through their living spaces. In those moments of observation, gratitude has an opportunity to take root.

Her artwork and photographs remind us that gratitude isn't always found in grand gestures. Sometimes it is as simple as sharing your morning coffee with the deer, listening to Oyster Catchers along the shore, and recognizing that we are fortunate to live in a place where wild beauty is part of everyday life.

We invite you to experience Kellie Shepherd Moeller's work as part of Gratitude: Stories of the Heart, on display through the end of August at the LIH&W Resource Center. The exhibition is open Monday–Thursday, 9:00 AM–Noon. Come discover the stories behind the artwork and celebrate the artists whose gratitude for Lummi Island is reflected in every piece.