Tuesday, April 22, 2008

FEATURED ARTIST - KATE E. AUSTIN


"Dive" was inspired by a poem of the same name, penned and performed by slam poet Andrea Gibson (www.andreagibson.com). It's also about resurfacing after a long time spent "underwater".

Kate E. Austin was raised in Killington, Vermont, and now resides in Glens Falls, New York. The complicated story of how she came to be there winds through her artwork. She has had two solo shows locally in 2007 and is seeking new venues to show and an opportunity to use the degree she's on the verge of earning from Empire State College. Kate is the Co-President for the North Country Arts Center and an exhibiting and active member of five local arts organizations. She is available for commissions, and also is available for website design.

Read below to get more of an insight to Kate and her art

1. What led you to start creating your art?

I've always wanted to be an artist, ever since I was three and visited the Norman Rockwell Museum in Rutland, Vermont. I saw his art hanging on the walls and went home to draw pictures because I wanted to sell my art, too! It's been uphill since.

2. How did you decide what medium you wanted to work with?

I'm a Jill of all trades - I wouldn't say I've buckled down to just one medium right yet. I love to experiment, and my latest work has been inks, acrylics, and watercolor on yupo, playing with texture and color through the use of salt, rubbing alcohol, and windex. I just want to keep trying new things!


3. What aspect of creating your art do you find the most enjoyable?


I like that I can try to express what's in my head, that I can make a picture with my hands that shows you what I'm thinking or what I've gone through better than if I were to try to tell you in a conversation. I also love that I can discover new patterns that occur in nature, and manipulate them. It's a little like playing God, making these creations.


4. What message, if any, do you want to convey with your art?


There's so much I have to say - I want to tell people about how I grew up, about silly thoughts I have, about how interconnected we are with everything else and how amazing that is, about the universe, about me... It's a new message with each painting, but it's always told from my perspective. That's why I don't really enjoy creating paintings of lakes and mountains - while that's beautiful, it's something we all see... I want to share something that only I can tell you.


5. What advice do you have for other artists?


Don't throw anything away. Sign everything. Use the highest quality materials you can afford. Get your work OUT THERE! Don't be embarrassed. Push boundaries. Challenge yourself. Talk to people about your art. Ask for criticism but let it roll off your back. DON'T GIVE UP!





If you'd like to see more of Kate's delightful work be sure to visit the links below:









CLICK ON ANY PHOTO BELOW TO GET TO THAT PARTICULAR ITEM IN KATE'S ETSY SHOP