we interpret the world
through the lens of memory
Welcome!
I'm so glad you’re here.
This page is where I share my creative process, the inspirations that shape my art, and the ideas I find most meaningful.
One idea that continuously weaves its way into my work is the nature of memory. It fascinates me how moments, often fleeting and intangible, can transform when revisited. Marcel Proust, the French novelist known for In Search of Lost Time, captured this beautifully in one of my favorite quotes:
"The quality of a direct experience always eludes one, and that only in recollection could we grasp its real flavor."
Memory serves as a material in my work, guiding me to explore and embrace the essence of what lingers.
And yet, the experience isn’t complete without you. As a viewer, you bring your own understanding of life and memories, layering the work with new dimensions and meaning. Together, we create an evolving conversation that enriches the art itself.
It truly doesn’t get any better than that.
Thank you for being here and for sharing in the beauty and wonder of art.
Warmly,
Kathleen
“Art is more than something we create or observe—it’s a living language, rich with stories, emotions, and the echoes of connection. It reflects our experiences and our ways of seeing the world, - deepening in meaning over time, like a fine wine.”
“When I saw this painting, I knew I wanted it immediately. It spoke to me - the face is half in shadow and half in light, representing the face we show to the world, and the hidden part of us that no one can see. Brilliant ! I am a big fan of her work.” - Tom
“When I saw this painting, I knew I wanted it immediately. It spoke to me - the face is half in shadow and half in light, representing the face we show to the world, and the hidden part of us that no one can see. Brilliant ! I am a big fan of her work.” - Tom
Art is an ongoing voyage of discovery, growth, and evolution—a journey that never truly ends.
My artistic journey took a significant turn when moving from the bustling landscapes of Southern California to the serene beauty of the California Central Coast. Here, surrounded by nature and living next to an Oak Tree and Wildlife Preserve, I found inspiration by being surrounded by California oak trees, rolling hills, and the diverse wildlife that graces us both day and night. It shapes my artistic expression in ways I couldn't have imagined before our move.
A significant event was when a large beehive dropped from an oak tree in our backyard. The bees needed time to process what had happened. Over a period of weeks their frantic activity subsided and the hive was empty. Mesmerized by the seemingly empty hive I was surprised weeks later when wax moths emerged. The lessons about resilience, adaptation, and the interconnectedness of all living things is endless.
Inspiration is all around us.
It is through the intricate tapestry of memory that we navigate our perceptions of the world around us, each thread woven with our unique experiences and emotions.
process & Statement
Starting a painting often begins with writing and drawing that then leads to collage. It is a playful time of saying “what if?”
Building layers I search for the unique mark - something expressive, meaningful. A vibrant color next to a desaturated one, a figure that surprisingly appears beneath a glaze...and the editing begins.
The saying is that editing is the beginning of “real painting.”
I draw significant inspiration from the San Francisco Bay Area artists, particularly Nathan Oliveira, whose poignant depictions of solitary figures have profoundly influenced my approach to the human form. Similarly, Lucian Freud, the British painter celebrated for his psychologically intense portraits and bold impasto techniques, has left a lasting imprint on my artistic sensibilities. These and other brilliant artists have guided my journey as I navigate the balance between abstraction and representation.
Over the past five years, I have explored various media, including cold wax and oil, acrylic, and mixed media applications. This experimentation has allowed me to push boundaries, discovering innovative ways to convey themes and concepts through textures and layers that reflect the complexity of my ideas.
At the heart of my work lies the interplay of memory and identity, which serves as the primary material I use to create. The human form often appears in my art as a vessel for memory, intertwined with references to place. Architectural elements, abstracted landscapes, and structural motifs evoke a sense of location, while the figure symbolizes the journey of searching for clarity amidst shifting identities.
Through these fragmented reflections of the universal journey, my work invites broader contemplation of the human experience. The viewer's personal engagement adds new dimensions, enriching the narrative and making it an evolving conversation.
Full Bio - click HERE