Meet Katherine (KB) Young: Professional Artist and Innovator

We had the good fortune of connecting with Katherine (KB) Young and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Katherine (KB), why did you decide to pursue a creative path?
This is an authentic life for me, as I have identified with being an artist since a young age. Art and creativity are a core part of my identity. I love working with my hands and making something beautiful. I love going to work every day. I did not start my career as a professional artist. My first job was in materials engineering and then I went to medical school to become a plastic and reconstructive surgeon. This was a great fit with my artistic background, and I loved being able to use my skills to help people. My surgical career did not leave me a lot of time for art, and I realized that I would be disappointed in myself if I didn’t make time to pursue art again. When I had my daughter, I took some time off from medicine and really leaned into my art. It was such an authentic choice that I then left surgery and began painting and drawing full time. The flexible nature of being a professional artist has really allowed my creativity to flourish. I’ve been able to develop my own art techniques, such as oil painting on metal leaf, and work with people in multiple disciplines. I love solving problems, and am working on several inventions—one to help artists save oil paint and another to address single use plastic packaging. I’m also enjoying figuring out how to use my art to help solve the ocean plastic problem.

Alright, so let’s move onto what keeps you busy professionally?
There are several series in my artwork, which is centered around nature, in particular the ocean. Being near the ocean brings me great peace and a sense of wonder, and I hope to share that experience through my art. The ocean has always been a sacred place for me—a place where I can think, reflect, breathe, and find peace and insight.  Early in my art career, I began playing around with gold leaf, and was curious to see what would happen if I painted on it. Gold leaf has long been a symbol of the sacred, and is also a reflective surface.  Using it underneath the paint allowed me to allude to these reflective and spiritual qualities I find in nature, and contemplate what is really underneath it all. This resulted in my first series of artwork Places for Reflection. I’ve also done a lot of graphite drawings of the ocean. The ocean’s surface is a very complex subject, so I started drawing it in order to understand it better. The drawing process hooked me—it’s very meditative and I get lost in it. I tend to make very large drawings (up to 60” x 90”) to create a sense of vastness. I love the simplicity of the pencil combined with the complexity of the subject. Finally, my love of nature has encouraged me to work to protect it. My recent artwork addresses the plastic crisis in the ocean. I’ve been figuring out ways to create fine art made from single use and recycled plastic to draw more attention to the problem and examine possible solutions. I’ve made relief sculptures of the ocean’s surface from recycled plastic, and created other sculptures on a 3D printer from recycled plastic. I’m also working with found materials, including plastic bottles and styrofoam. Additionally, I’m currently studying the circular economy to develop more expertise in this area. I’d like to create a speaking program to tie the art and the education together. The materials I use are important to support the concept of the work, and I’m proud of some of the innovations I’ve come up with. I hope to use my platform as an artist to increase mindfulness about our plastic use, and educate and inspire others to look at this challenge in a creative way.

Any places to eat or things to do that you can share with our readers? If they have a friend visiting town, what are some spots they could take them to?
Favorite walks and hikes: Ocean Beach in San Francisco. The ideal meeting place is the Devil’s Teeth Bakery near the Great Highway for pre- or post-coffee and treats. The Great Highway has been closed to cars during the pandemic and provides an option for those who don’t want sand in their shoes! Many of my paintings have been inspired from this walk. Glen Canyon trails up to the top of Twin Peaks. Provides wooded creekside trails in the canyon and panoramic city views at the top. And a great workout! Walking across the Golden Gate Bridge. Even though touristy, this is a must. If it’s open, the Warming Hut at Chrissy Field is a great spot for lunch and coffee. Since the pandemic, indoor dining options are sparse. But for takeout: Tartine Manufactory. Located 2 blocks from my art studio, this is my go to for many things. They have the best bread I’ve ever eaten (even Paul Hollywood was impressed). We often get their pizza takeout on Friday evening. Cacio de Pepe is a family favorite! Pre-pandemic it’s a beautiful and delicious spot for lunch. Dandelion Chocolate. Made in SF, they offer factory tours and tastings. (virtual now). The chocolate is delicious, and I’m on the list for their chocolate making course once it’s allowed. The Valencia St. store is open to pick up chocolate at this time. Mitchell’s Ice Cream. Delicious ice cream, made in SF, with lots of unique flavors. The purple yam and young coconut are 2 of my favorites. Ritual Coffee. IMHO, the best latte I’ve ever had was at Ritual. Fort Mason. For beautiful Bay views, and arts and culture, this is walking distance from Chrissy Field and the Marina Green. Greens Restaurant offers the best vegetarian food I’ve ever eaten and they are still open for takeout. And my favorite gallery, HANG ART, just opened a stunning new location there. And don’t miss Flax Art to browse art supplies. SFMOMA: If it’s open, it’s a favorite place to spend a few hours to chill with or without a friend. Personal favorites include the Agnes Martin room and the Gerhardt Richter collection. Lunch in the cafe on the roof is a must. The food’s delicious and the terrace provides a great view of the building’s unique architecture. The Ferry Building: No trip to SF is complete without a trip here. There are many delicious food and beverage options and great views of the bay to enjoy treats. Take a ferry ride too! Highway 1 in San Mateo: Head south on Rt.1 through Pacifica. Surfing at Lindemar Beach has gentle waves, and the world famous ocean-front Taco Bell. For coffee and lunch, Soul Grind Coffee shop next to the beach is one of my favorites. Venture a little further south to hike the Devil’s Slide Trail. If you keep going south you’ll pass the beautiful Montara Beach, Moss Beach and end up in Half Moon Bay. There are many trails, cafe’s and beaches to explore along this route. Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
There are many many people to whom I am grateful and I’d like to dedicate this shout-out to. I would not be where I am if not for them. Firstly my husband Christopher Cox and daughter Kristen who have given me endless love and support in making my career change from surgeon to artist. My parents and family in Virginia also gave me unconditional love and support and always believed in me. My many friends who have gone for countless hikes and walks on the beach have inspired me and taught me and been present through it all. Theresa Lina, Sally Griesbach, Mary Scott Soo, Susan McClanahan, Tina Seelig, Robin Johnston, Ellie Pitts, Catherine Jasan, just to name a few. My high school English teacher, Page Roberts, who always believed in me. Piero Spadaro at HANG ART, who first represented me in his gallery and has been a fabulous guide and friend. To Frederick E. Church, William Trost Richards, and Carl G. Evers, whose art works sparked something deep in me. To Duke University who gave me the educational opportunity of a lifetime, and to all of the amazing faculty at the Academy of Art University who taught me how to really paint and draw.

Website: www.kbyoung.com

Instagram: @kbyoung.art

Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/katherine-young-316745157/

Image Credits
Some images are credit to Katherine Emery Photography