Meet Kate Cleaves | Visual Artist & Muralist

We had the good fortune of connecting with Kate Cleaves and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Kate, can you talk to us a bit about the social impact of your business?
I’ve always felt that my purpose as an artist is to help heal the planet through creativity, connection, and love.

Everything I create—from paintings and murals to the children’s book I’m currently illustrating—is rooted in the belief that people protect what they love. If we can help someone fall in love with the natural world, they’re much more likely to become a steward of it.

Much of my work celebrates animals, nature, and the interconnectedness of all living things. One project especially close to my heart is an animal alphabet book that introduces children to extraordinary and endangered species from around the world. Many children grow up learning about lions, elephants, and giraffes—but what about a saiga antelope, a pangolin, or an axolotl? By inspiring curiosity and wonder for these remarkable animals, I hope to nurture the next generation of conservationists.

I’m also passionate about supporting Indigenous communities whose ways of living continue to demonstrate a deep relationship with the Earth. A portion of my artwork sales supports the Yawanawá people of the Brazilian rainforest, and I strive to use my platform to celebrate Indigenous wisdom, biodiversity, and sustainable ways of living.

Whether I’m painting a mural, creating fine art, or illustrating a book, my hope is always the same: to help people experience a sense of wonder, deepen their connection with the natural world, and remember that every small act of care matters.

I believe art has the power to change hearts—and when hearts change, the world changes.

Can you open up a bit about your work and career? We’re big fans and we’d love for our community to learn more about your work.
I’m constantly amazed and humbled by the world we’re all a part of. I draw inspiration everywhere—from the vastness of space to the tiniest patterns found in nature. I’ve always been fascinated by the hidden geometry woven throughout the universe—from the spirals of a nautilus shell and the branching of trees to the intricate worlds revealed under a microscope. Everywhere I look, I see echoes of the same rhythms and patterns repeating themselves, reminding me that we’re all part of one extraordinary, interconnected tapestry.

That sense of wonder is at the heart of everything I create. I hope my paintings become visual sacred spaces that weave together animals, symbolism, ancient wisdom, and the patterns found throughout the natural world. I’m fascinated by the place where science and mystery meet—where sacred geometry, mythology, emotion, and nature can coexist. My hope is that each piece invites people to slow down, reconnect with themselves, and remember the beauty and magic that’s quietly woven into everyday life.

My journey as an artist has been shaped just as much by perseverance as by inspiration. More than a decade ago, I packed everything I owned into my car and left Maine for California because I believed it was where my art could flourish. Halfway across the country, my plans unraveled, and by the time I arrived in California, nearly everything I owned was gone. I stepped into a place where I knew no one, carrying little more than a backpack and a dream. In many ways, it was the first leap of faith that would shape not only my career, but the person and artist I would become.

There have been many moments since then when I wasn’t sure I could keep going—times of financial uncertainty, setbacks, and wondering if I’d have to give up on the life I’d imagined. Whenever I’ve found myself at that crossroads, I think back to something Noel Fielding once said in an interview: the difference between people who succeed and those who don’t often comes down to one simple thing—they just don’t give up. Those words have stayed with me for years. Whenever I hear that voice telling me to quit, I remember his—and I keep creating.

Looking back, I realize those experiences shaped my work as much as any formal education ever could. Many of my paintings explore transformation because I’ve lived it. They celebrate resilience, curiosity, and the quiet truth that some of life’s greatest beauty is revealed only after we’ve walked through the shadows.

If there’s one thing I’d want people to know about my work, it’s that my goal has never been simply to decorate a wall. I want to create art that changes the way people feel. If someone walks away feeling a little more connected—to themselves, to each other, or to this extraordinary living planet—then I’ve accomplished what I set out to do.

Let’s say your best friend was visiting the area and you wanted to show them the best time ever. Where would you take them? Give us a little itinerary – say it was a week long trip, where would you eat, drink, visit, hang out, etc.
If I had a week to show someone my favorite corners of Laguna Beach, we’d start at the Sawdust Art Festival. This summer is especially meaningful because we’re celebrating its 60th anniversary. For me, Sawdust is the heart and soul of Laguna—a vibrant community of nearly 200 local artists, live music, creativity, and connection. It’s one of those rare places where you can meet the artists, watch them creating in real time, and leave feeling inspired. There’s truly nothing else quite like it.

From there, we’d spend our days exploring Laguna’s incredible coastline. Heisler Park is my favorite place in town—whether you’re watching the sunset, wandering the winding pathways above the ocean, or simply sitting on a bench listening to the waves, it’s the kind of place that reminds you to slow down and soak in the beauty around you.

One of my favorite places to eat is South of Nick’s. I genuinely think they have the best hot sauce on the planet—it’s so good I’ve literally taken shots of it—and incredible Mexican food to match. Their tequila selection isn’t bad either!

I’d also take them to wander through some of Laguna’s quieter magical corners. Our public library has the sweetest little fairy garden tucked away, and it truly feels like stepping into a storybook. During the summer, Bluebird Park hosts Music in the Park, where the community gathers with picnic blankets, live music, and warm evenings under the trees. It’s one of those little moments that makes Laguna so special.

More than anything, though, I’d encourage visitors to simply wander. Laguna has a way of rewarding curiosity. Whether it’s discovering a hidden staircase leading to the beach, stumbling upon a local gallery, or finding a beautiful piece of public art around the next corner, there’s a sense of magic here that’s hard to describe until you’ve experienced it. To me, Laguna Beach is a place where art isn’t confined to galleries—it’s woven into the landscape, the community, and the way people choose to live. That’s what makes it such an inspiring place to call home.

The Shoutout series is all about recognizing that our success and where we are in life is at least somewhat thanks to the efforts, support, mentorship, love and encouragement of others. So is there someone that you want to dedicate your shoutout to?
First and foremost, I’d like to thank my family – especially my parents, who nurtured my creativity from a young age and always encouraged me to follow my heart—and my wife, Amanda Hoffman—for always believing in me, encouraging me to dream big, and supporting a path that hasn’t always been conventional. Having people who believe in your vision, especially before the rest of the world sees it, is an incredible gift.

I’m also deeply grateful to the mentors, elders, and medicine people who have shared their wisdom with me over the years. Teachers like Helene Drouin and Dana Sawyer have helped me see creativity not just as a profession, but as a way of cultivating wonder, connection, and a deeper relationship with the natural world.

I’d also like to honor Indigenous communities around the world who continue to protect their ancestral lands, preserve traditional ecological knowledge, and remind us that humans are part of nature—not separate from it. Their resilience and wisdom have profoundly influenced both my life and my work.

And finally, I’d like to thank the Earth itself—and the animals that continue to inspire my art every day. They constantly remind me of the beauty, mystery, and interconnectedness of all living things.

Website: https://Www.Katecleaves.com

Instagram: @katecleaves