Anne M. Kelly was born in New Orleans, but has called the West Coast of Canada home since 1967. Islands are her favourite haunts. She has lived on Bowen Island, on the islands of Haida Gwaii, on Galiano Island, and in various communities on Vancouver Island.

In the mid-1990's a car accident changed her life. While adapting to a set of new physical limitations, she began to learn the art of weaving maille. She became fascinated with ancient techniques of working with metal and gemstones to create wearable art. Her jewellery employs a combination of contemporary and ancient metalsmithing techniques, but maille has remained a favourite element of her designs.