We recently connected with Kat Tumber and have shared our conversation below.

Kat, appreciate you joining us today. When did you first know you wanted to pursue a creative/artistic path professionally?

I started creating art at a young age and always knew that I wanted art to be a regular part of my life. I stayed consistent with creating in highschool and attended Lesley University for art therapy. I then began working at a suicide prevention nonprofit in 2021 and I decided to pursue becoming an art vendor during my free time in 2022, especially once festivals and markets started happening regularly again in New England. I had moved from Boston to rural New Hampshire towards the end of 2020 and really wanted to get involved with my local art community. I felt that by creating and sharing my art in these kinds of creative spaces I would get more opportunities to explore and meet others in New Hampshire. By vending more I was better able to make connections and attend fun events too.

As always, we appreciate you sharing your insights and we’ve got a few more questions for you, but before we get to all of that can you take a minute to introduce yourself and give our readers some of your back background and context?

My work is nature-inspired handcrafted jewelry and artwork. My jewelry is handcrafted with crystal beads, glass/clay/plastic beads, wire, charms. I enjoy painting with acrylic paint and watercolors, I have also begun implementing some printmaking and other fun crafts into my small business. As someone with an art therapy degree, my artwork is very focused on the process and using colors and textures to express a feeling. I also really enjoy depicting nature scenes, flowers and mushrooms since it reflects my environment and love for the outdoors. My artwork leans towards abstract and impressionism, but really its just about creating. As human beings I believe we are meant to create and express and we are our most present and content selves when we are able to create. I am also very passionate about my work in mental health awareness and suicide prevention, but use my second career as an artist to take care of myself and refill cup.

We often hear about learning lessons – but just as important is unlearning lessons. Have you ever had to unlearn a lesson?

During my first Summer vending I signed up for many events including my local farmers market. I spent many Saturdays sitting in the heat and would barley make enough money to cover the time and effort of being there. I had to learn that my art and my style attracts a certain population, and so I started gravitating towards doing more outdoor live concerts and festivals because my artwork does better with the crowds jam band/reggae/rock shows over my local market. Now I will drop-in as a vendor at the farmers market occasionally if I want to, but I also don’t feel obligated to be there regularly because I just know my work sells better at other events and that’s okay. Art doesn’t need to be perfect and I never needed to change my art to fit the consumer, I just needed to find the right events with the right art consumers.

For you, what’s the most rewarding aspect of being a creative?

The most rewarding aspect of being an artist is being able to continuously find reasons to create and inspiration from the world around you. Having a so-called “artists eye” has allowed me to slow down and appreciate things big and small. I often go for slow walks in the woods with my sketchbook. Additionally, when you know that there may be people who appreciate your art, it almost gives you more motivation to create. Its fulfilling when something you create makes someone else feel. For many years I would let crafts and paintings pile up half finished in my bedroom, but now I have more motivation to finish my ideas and showcase my creativity which I am so grateful for. The support and encouragement I received from my local art community when I am not always confident in my artistic abilities has been so incredibly heartwarming.

Contact Info:

• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/lostintheforestgreen?igsh=ejhoMHYxcm93MDZ6
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/share/14onWGp4krp/
• Other: website is in progress!