it is through the lens of

memory

we interpret the world

Welcome!

It's truly wonderful to have you here!

This page is a where you can discover more about my journey, my creative process, and the inspirations behind the art I bring to life.

To me, art is more than just a product of the artist's hand—it's a vibrant language that speaks to our hearts and souls. It's a reflection of our experiences, our interpretations, and our connections with the world around us. And like a fine wine, it only grows richer with time.

Thank you for being here and sharing in the joy of art with me!

“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 Alford

About

Despite having decades of studio work, two art degrees, two artist residencies, representation by Hammerfriar Gallery, and participating in workshops as both a student and teacher, I still feel like a novice. The question lingers: do we ever feel as though we have arrived? I think this is why being an artist is a meaningful journey. The journey of learning, growing, and evolving never ceases.

My journey took a significant shift after moving to the California Central Coast from the concrete landscapes of Southern California. Here, nature envelops us; we live next to an Oak Tree and Wildlife Preserve. My teachers about nature are the ancient majestic oak trees and the surprising visits from wildlife—both day and night. In this natural setting, the powerful cycle of life unfolds, and through it, the threads of memory weave all seen and unseen activities. I recall a significant event when a large beehive fell from an Oak Tree in our backyard. It took time for the bees to understand what happened. Over the next few weeks, I watched their intense activity die down until their dwelling place was vacated.

“Kathleen's work transports me to fond remembrances of the past, and places I'd like to visit in the future. Her calming palettes bring sophistication to our home.”

Victoria Rose

The fallen bee hive taught me more than the surprise of the bees visiting while working with encaustics. It taught me about the cycle of life by the seeming lifeless beehive carrying wax moths that birthed. It taught me how powerful memory is in scent for bees and actually for all creatures.

This experience may have been why I was led to working with encaustics (melted beeswax with oil pigment). Imagine my surprise when bees started arriving at my studio. The fragrance of melting wax sent the invitation for bees to come and visit. This encounter with the bees taught me invaluable lessons about resilience, adaptation, and the interconnectedness of all living beings. It raised questions about the pervasive and elusive power of memory.

As my artistic journey continues to unfold through solo and group exhibitions, this bee encounter remains a constant source of inspiration for my work. The endless connection with nature, its profound surprises, and the intricate dance of life continue to shape and direct my artistic expression.                 (Full Bio - click HERE)           (Resume by request click here)

process

Paintings often start with writing and drawing on the surface of a prepared canvas. I enjoy this tactile connection, and the feeling of hovering over the surface. It involves a relationship between the surface and concept, as my materials become integrated into the process. While building layers through stages of mark making, I am searching for the unique mark - something expressive, meaningful. A vibrant color next to a desaturated one, a figure that surprisingly appears beneath a glaze...

Once the painting asserts its purpose, the act of creation takes on a different sensation, transcending the mere layering of history. A synergistic energy between the image, paint, tools, and my intuition ensues. The effort shifts, and the quest is for me to step out of the way and allow the painting to become.

Statement

Memory, to me, feels like the very essence of my existence—a fundamental element that shapes how I perceive and interact with the world around me. It's not just about recalling moments or thoughts; rather, it's a profound force that resonates throughout nature, intertwining with our collective experiences and the imprints left by the natural world.

As I delve into my creative process, memory emerges as a silent yet powerful companion, guiding my brushstrokes and shaping the layers of my work. Starting with no clear direction, my pieces gradually take on meaning, reflecting the depths of my exploration and curiosity. Through the interplay of opaque and transparent layers, my art hints at geological time and the complexities of the human condition.

As recognizable shapes emerge from the canvas, I find myself transported to familiar moments and places that have left an indelible mark on my soul. It's a journey of discovery—a conversation between the known and unknown, the seen and unseen. Guided by intuition and the echoes of memory, I navigate the intricate web of emotions and experiences that define my artistic expression.

In this intricate dance of creation, I find solace in the interconnectedness of all things—a reminder of my place in the vast tapestry of existence. And so, I continue to create, driven by the timeless rhythms of memory and the profound connections that bind me to my past, present, and future selves.