We recently connected with Ekaterina Whitehouse and have shared our conversation below.
Ekaterina, looking forward to hearing all of your stories today. When did you first know you wanted to pursue a creative/artistic path professionally?
Middle school was a pivotal moment in my journey as an artist, and it was also the period of time in which I learned that, yes, I can make money through my art.
The first time was during the annual art show in 8th grade, I walked away in disbelief with $200 in my pocket and a heart full of joy. That moment was incredibly validating. It wasn’t just about the money, though that was thrilling; it was about realizing that my art had the power to move people to action.
I had several fantastic teachers during that time that gave me confidence in my artistic ability, but my art teacher, Mrs. James, is the person that gave me the support, guidance, and freedom to recognize my own potential and nurture it. Her classroom was a sanctuary for creativity, a place where I could explore and express myself without fear of judgment during the difficulty of growing up.
Face painting was another avenue in which I made money. My older sister and I would go to the local park, and set up a little face painting station to earn some extra cash during the summer. Later in high school at my hometown’s big arts festival, I made a couple grand each year I had my face painting set up.
My identity as an artist has always been the core of my being and I’ve accepted my lot. Since I was a small child, my creativity and my ability to draw was the one constant factor in my sense of self so it felt very natural to pursue it as a profession; especially with all the positive feedback from my environment that I was getting during my formative years in school.
I never really thought about my future and have spent a long time alone on my journey as an artist. It took a lot of deep thought and honesty with myself, my surroundings, and my abilities to come to the conclusion that it IS a viable option for me. Only recently has my frontal lobe locked into place, and I had to come to terms with the reality of what I want to do and how I need to do it.
Great, appreciate you sharing that with us. Before we ask you to share more of your insights, can you take a moment to introduce yourself and how you got to where you are today to our readers.
Painting and drawing have been a lifelong obsession and the core of my identity. My style varies, and I have the ability to copy and borrow from a range of different influences (except realism, I’m not that patient). Professionally, my goal this year is to establish a sustainable artistic practice to make at least a share of my income through my art through multiple streams of revenue.
I had a wonderful opportunity at Common Ground Cafe Co-op this year to paint two murals in their bathroom, and I have been putting my whole heart into them. I love painting big and I feel like it is the most satisfying and sustainable path to take towards my goal. Also, I am working on a portfolio for painting on glass to help brick and mortar stores and restaurants increase their foot traffic by painting display windows.
I have big plans. I want to be a force for good change and create opportunity for the community at large. I love the long established art community that I have found here in Baltimore, and I am excited to be a more involved player in the field.
I am only getting started, and I am ready to explore myself and push my abilities further than ever before. I have so many ideas, and I am so in love with the environment that I find myself in now. I know I have found a place I feel safe enough to truly allow myself to come into full bloom.
Is there something you think non-creatives will struggle to understand about your journey as a creative? Maybe you can provide some insight – you never know who might benefit from the enlightenment.
The burning need to create is not a feeling that can be easily explained, nor is the lightning of inspiration.
Especially for me, who is multi-faceted in my creative expression, it is not something that can be controlled when it hits. Honestly it can be isolating, because of the life-long over activity of my imagination, I am constantly being plagued by visions. If an idea is haunting me the only way to exercise it from my soul is to manifest it physically in the material realm. A sad aspect of this is I have so many beautiful ideas, and I see them so clearly, but I have to bury them because I only have so much time to bring them to life.
I am also aware that pursuing art is laughable to society, and I don’t have a whole lot to show for all that I have accomplished so far. All I need is the belief in myself and from my friends, but it really is encouraging when I show someone my art and they really take the time to look at it, appreciate it, and give me some insight into their perception.
What do you find most rewarding about being a creative?
The most rewarding aspect about being an artist is the freedom I am allowed to feel in my soul and the room I have for self expression. I love dressing up. I love the ability to shift the energy in the room with my presence. Set and setting are everything, but I am always chasing that perfect night that is full of synchronicity, good people, and fun times. I love the unexpected and thrive in chaos.
Due to the weight of the world and the depths of my despair it is necessary for me to be able to have that outlet, lest I lose all hope. Whether it be through dancing, networking, or clowning, I consider it a sacred duty to be present in that way for myself and others.
I have the ability to have big alter ego moments, and I am astounded with my ability for self expression and the power that comes with being freely myself, in all my creative glory. Officially, I contribute all of my confidence in real life to my skill and love for painting.
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