Meet Katherine Kesey | Fine Artist

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

Hi Katherine, let’s start by talking about what inspires you?
I’m inspired by objects which are normally overlooked. When I see a discarded can of Modelo on the sidewalk, I can’t help but take a photo in order to paint it later. I love the shine and color of a crushed can, or the haphazard placement of glasses on a table after a party. These things become luminous to me, when taken out of context like that. It’s because they aren’t trying to be important that I feel inspired. I can feel a sense of implied life and possibility there – like something did happen or could happen at any moment, and they were the focal point. That’s what makes me want to paint them.

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.
Before I decided to pursue fine art, I was a graphic designer. I’m from South Carolina, and I attended Clemson University for my undergraduate degree before moving to LA to get my Masters in Fine Art at Otis College of Art and Design. Moving coasts and switching from design to fine art has at times made me feel like my life is a nonsensical mess. But I also think it makes my work more unique. I often find myself thinking in Photoshop terms while I paint – imaging layers, scaling tools, and color palettes as if my work was a digital collage. That headspace helps me stay creative.

My work is about everyday objects and how they can impact us. I wouldn’t have gotten to the work I make now without having spent so much time in suburban neighborhoods as a kid, which notoriously can be somewhat bland. I often felt bored, and was constantly searching for some way to create beauty and interest in the world around me. I think the biggest lesson I’ve learned along the way is that inspiration can come from seemingly uninteresting moments – that regardless of circumstances or feelings it’s still possible to have a rich inner life, which I can put forth on canvas.

I want the world to know that I feel a warm spark inside every time I sell a painting! Someone likes my work – and how exciting is that? I felt humbled and delighted the first time I ever sold a painting and I still feel that now. It’s a joy to keep creating.

If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
First thing on the list is a good coffee shop. I love Cafe Telegrama in Melrose Hill and Figaro Bistro in Los Feliz. I’d take them to the Huntington or Lacy Park for some nature, Highly Likely, Dune, and Sì Roma for some food, and 626 Night Market or a Dodger’s game for some fun. And, since I’m an artist, the trip wouldn’t be complete without some art viewing. On the agenda would be an opening at Wonzimer, some browsing at Freehand Gallery/the Craft in America Center, and a leisurely afternoon at the Getty.

Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
I have so many. The book The Artist’s Way, by Julia Cameron, changed my life. I’ve read it probably ten times.

My high school art teacher, Ms. Mountain. When I was in her AP Art class I found myself getting really frustrated with a graphite blending technique I’d been taught in earlier art classes, and I asked her half-jokingly if I really had to do it. To my surprise she said no – she said I could do anything I wanted to when I made art. That mentality really changed my life and my art practice.

Friday Arts Project, a nonprofit arts organization I was involved with in Rock Hill, South Carolina. They gave me my first solo exhibition and I’m forever grateful. I think it did a lot to get me into graduate school.

Marvin Espy, an artist I met at my first studio space, who was a huge cheerleader, mentor, and friend.

Elizabeth Stewart, who has cheered me on in life and loved every single piece of art I’ve done since I was a teenager.

Website: https://www.katherinekesey.com

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/katherinekesey

Image Credits
Studio portrait Image Credit Davy Kesey, Exhibition install photos Erick Cortes