We recently connected with Kassie Woodworth and have shared our conversation below.

Kassie, appreciate you joining us today. Are you happier as a creative? Do you sometimes think about what it would be like to just have a regular job? Can you talk to us about how you think through these emotions?

I have had several day jobs over the years while practicing my artwork professionally. From helping make silicone finishing lures from scratch, to sewing plush toys, to cleaning houses, the day jobs keep me alive and moving forward but I constantly question if it’s sustainable long term. Balancing time, money, and energy is exhausting, I often work from the time I wake up until the time I go to sleep. Harnessing ever moment I have to work on my artwork and entreprenural endeavors. Sometimes, I spiral into thoughts about retirement, comparing myself to peers in marketing or finance who drive nice cars and have families. But then, I finish a piece I’ve passionately worked on for weeks, and all the worry fades away, reminding me of my purpose: to bring beauty into the world and spark unique conversations that transcend spoken words or music. I believe that through consistent dedication, financial success will eventually follow. For now, I hold onto patience with grace, grateful for my part-time day jobs that put food on the table and allow me to work on my artwork in the evenings and on weekends.

Kassie, before we move on to more of these sorts of questions, can you take some time to bring our readers up to speed on you and what you do?

I have been a creator my whole life. Always tinkering, drawing, sculpting, gardening—I’ve always had my hands doing something. Growing up, my parents encouraged me to try new things such as sports or music, but visual art was the one constant in my life. It became my way of communicating my emotions with the world. When the time came to choose a path, I didn’t hesitate to pursue art school. Little did 18-year-old me know, it would be the most challenging yet rewarding path to choose. Now, at 27, I have learned so much about the world, how to create with various mediums and processes, and built a community of like-minded individuals around me. I wouldn’t trade it for anything.

As I grow, change studios, change day jobs, and relocate, my artwork evolves with me. I embrace this transformative process, allowing my practice to flow freely. Being a creative is fulfilling on so many levels. I have the freedom to pivot to new creative avenues as my heart desires. One day, I might be researching plants through drawing in a botanical garden, and the next, I could be welding and grinding a sculpture. The following week, I might be curating a retail space and then directing a fabrication shop. I work in several different mediums purely because I have an insatiable desire to learn it all.

Conceptually, my work often explores the relationship between humans and the natural environment. I strive to communicate the importance of sustainability, both physically and emotionally, through my art. My goal is to motivate mindfulness about our environment and each other. Whether it’s through a sculpture that reflects the delicate balance of nature or a drawing that captures the intricate beauty of a plant, my work aims to foster a deeper appreciation for the world around us.

I describe my work based on my current curiosities and the medium I’m exploring. Presently, I am deeply interested in ceramics, drawing, and graphic design. I used to focus more on metal work and printmaking. For two-dimensional work, I’m using colored pencils on paper, exploring color and layering with pencil marks and collage techniques. For three-dimensional work, I am immersed in ceramics, learning about slip casting to create multiple sculptures that interact with each other.

What sets me apart is my relentless curiosity and my willingness to embrace spontaneity and passion. I channel these qualities through my artwork, striving to evoke excitement and joy in viewers, much like the joy it brings me.

The problems I solve for my clients are as diverse as my work. Whether it’s creating a custom piece that perfectly captures their vision, designing a functional yet aesthetically pleasing space, or providing unique art for their home or business, my goal is to meet their needs with creativity and precision. My ability to work across various mediums allows me to offer a wide range of services, from custom sculptures and installations to drawing and painting.

I am most proud of my journey and the community of creatives and supporters I’ve built along the way. I want potential clients, followers, and fans to know that my work is a reflection of my journey, my passions, and my dedication to the craft. Each piece I create is imbued with a sense of curiosity and joy, and I am committed to continuing this journey of exploration and creativity.

Is there something you think non-creatives will struggle to understand about your journey as a creative?

To me, the definition of a “non-creative” is simply someone who has lost touch with their creative spirit. Children have an inherent desire to explore, create, build, make, and discover. At some point, many are encouraged to go in a different direction, suppressing their creative endeavors in favor of more conventional paths.

One thing non-creatives might struggle to understand is the emotional and psychological journey of a creative. For us, creativity is not just about making art; it’s a way of processing the world, expressing emotions, and connecting with others on a deeper level. It involves a constant cycle of inspiration, creation, critique, and reinvention. This process can be deeply fulfilling but also challenging, as it requires vulnerability and resilience.

My overarching goal is to encourage others to make something or at least recognize the opportunities for creativity in their everyday lives. Cooking a nice dinner and straying from the recipe, or maybe just plating it in a beautiful way, is a simple example of where to start. Creativity doesn’t have to be confined to traditional art forms; it can be found in the way we solve problems, decorate our homes, or even organize our thoughts.

Through this discovery, there is a snowball effect of appreciation for the world around us. When you start thinking about how a chair is designed and made, or who created the cup you drink your coffee out of, you begin to see the world through a lens of wonder and gratitude. This appreciation can deepen your connection to the world and to others, raising the bar for joy and peace in your life.

Art builds community. It fosters connections between people who might otherwise never cross paths. Creativity harnesses joy and bliss, allowing us to share our experiences and emotions in ways that words alone cannot. Beauty, whether found in a painting, a garden, or a well-crafted piece of furniture, contributes to a more peaceful and fulfilling existence.

For non-creatives, I encourage you to tap back into that childhood spirit of exploration and creation. Try new things, embrace mistakes as part of the learning process, and find joy in the act of making. You might be surprised at how much it enriches your life and brings a new perspective to the world around you.

By understanding and embracing creativity, we can all contribute to a more connected, compassionate, and joyful society. So, whether you’re drawing, cooking, writing, or simply appreciating the art around you, remember that creativity is a fundamental part of being human. Reconnecting with it can lead to a more vibrant and meaningful life.

Have you ever had to pivot?

Everyone had to pivot in some shape or form during the Coronavirus Pandemic in 2020, especially those in creative and often freelance industries. I lost my day job, all of my pending exhibitions were canceled, and the only thing keeping a roof over my head was unemployment. While this was a difficult time, I am grateful for the experience because it forced me to confront my vulnerabilities and strengths. It knocked me down to my lowest low, and the only thing that could dig me out was myself.

During this period, I discovered meditation as a solace for my mental and physical health, as well as for my creative practice. Meditation became a cornerstone, helping me build resilience and clarity. I realized that I needed to establish a solid foundation for my business rather than just flying by the seat of my pants as I had been doing before. This required strategic planning, learning new skills, and being prepared for worst-case scenarios, much like the one I was living through at the moment.

The pandemic was just the beginning of my journey. I had to go through many tough lessons in the years that followed, from dealing with toxic jobs and living in a van to getting fired due to budget cuts. Each experience taught me something valuable and brought me closer to understanding what I truly wanted and needed in my life and career.

Now, four years later, I am finally back on my feet and ready to pour the concrete for the foundation of my life. I am still learning and growing, but I have come to see this journey as one of healing. Doing the inner work is crucial, and it has a profound impact on everything outward over time. My goal is to grow an authentic business built on a love for creating, a passion for sparking conversation, and a mindfulness of the world around us through exploration and discovery.

This pivot not only transformed my approach to my creative practice but also reshaped my entire outlook on life and work. I learned to embrace uncertainty and use it as a catalyst for growth. By focusing on inner strength and resilience, I am now able to channel my experiences into creating meaningful art that resonates with others and fosters a deeper connection to our shared humanity.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.kassiewoodworth.com
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/kassiewoodworth.art/?hl=en
• Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/kassie-woodworth-a9b8b519b/
• Other: Link to my thumbnail sketchbook series (author page), GRID: https://amzn.to/4b7rLOC More information about this series on my website (www.kassiewoodworth.com/grid)