We were lucky to catch up with Katie (KT) Harlan-Thompson recently and have shared our conversation below.
Alright, Katie (KT) thanks for taking the time to share your stories and insights with us today. If you could go back in time do you wish you had started your creative career sooner or later?
This is an interesting question. I’ve been passionate about creating art for as long as I can remember. However, it took me a while to figure out where my passion fit into my adult life. I don’t really have regrets because I know things fell into place as they were meant to. I did attempt to pursue painting professionally at 19, while attending college and working retail jobs. I even got my first commission jobs at that time, but I lacked confidence and took criticism very personally. I crumbled internally when I couldn’t achieve “perfection”; this was unrealistic and a very unhealthy mindset. Due to lack of confidence and direction, I put the idea of an art career on a back burner after those first commission jobs. I convinced myself that art was merely a hobby, and should be left that way. Time got away from me as I pursued other jobs that I felt would make me more of an “adult” in my skewed perspective at the time. Everything from retail and office management, sales, real estate assistance, insurance, corporate event planning, to non-profit animal shelter/ fostering organization and other various jobs, I did it all. A Jack of all trades, but a master of none, as they say. During my years of working in different industries, I gained a lot of useful knowledge and skills that really benefited me, and ultimately shaped me into the person I am today. The timing couldn’t have been more right for me to make the leap into owning my own art business. Right before I turned 30, I knew I needed to make a change and I finally had the confidence to do so. I dipped my toes into professional painting years before, but I truly believe I had a lot of lessons to learn before really committing to becoming a full time artist. That sort of thing cannot be rushed. I can’t even imagine starting later than I did, because I was so ready when I finally began. Timing is everything, and I’m so thankful my journey as an artist unfolded the way it did, when it did.
Awesome – so before we get into the rest of our questions, can you briefly introduce yourself to our readers.
I believe I started drawing and painting as a toddler. Art was and still is such an important outlet in my life. Life was pretty chaotic throughout my childhood and I found solace in my imagination, and could express confusing and difficult emotions through creating art. I started out drawing, but really fell in love with painting in middle and high school. Acrylic is my medium of choice, but I also dabble in watercolor and oil paint. I love capturing important memories, whether it’s special places/ scenes, or loved ones/ pets. I also love how impactful art is on an emotional and spiritual level. It’s powerful. If my art can bring healing to one person, I’ve succeeded at my mission as an artist. My style ranges from abstract fluid art to somewhat dreamy surrealist, with the occasional straightforward realism piece. I accept commissions for paintings for nearly any type of surface, but painting on wooden surfaces holds a special place in my heart. A new service I’m exploring is painting scenes from events, such as weddings. I can paint a scene from a favorite event/ wedding photo, or even offer a live wedding painting service. This service is still new to me, but I’m excited to grow in that arena.
I named my business Dreaming KT-Arts because I have a very vivid dream life and I believe dreams have meaning and play an important role in helping us process and grow. I feel the parallels between dreams and art are very strong. Dreams are a constant muse in my life as an artist, so it only felt natural to name my business something with “dream” in the name.
What do you find most rewarding about being a creative?
The most rewarding aspect of being an artist is the honesty of it, but also the meaningful connections to people it brings with it. While working other jobs in different industries, I never felt free to be unapologetically myself; that’s because I never really fit in other jobs the way I fit as a creative. Being able to do what I love and express myself honestly, through my work has been such a healing experience. It’s beautiful when I connect with people through my work. My art feels like an extension of me, so I have found that the people who see something in my art and resonate with it, are people that have something in common with me in a special way. It’s hard to put that into words, but it feels pretty magical to connect in that way. It’s very fulfilling.
In your view, what can society to do to best support artists, creatives and a thriving creative ecosystem?
Society has what I would consider a pretty insatiable appetite for art in many different forms. It’s built into us to consume art, however sometimes things get tangled in the understanding/ appreciation, respect and value categories. I think society can take the time to understand and appreciate what goes into the process of creating. Once that is accomplished, sharing via word of mouth or social media can occur and help artists thrive. Giving credit to all the great artists we share space with is a big one that shows love and respect to the artist community. Purchasing art at a fair price is a given and is always appreciated. We pay for all kinds of services, and paying for art, as well, just makes sense. On a larger scale, greater funding in art programs in cities and schools is so important. Everyone should have access to space, tools and training to create art if the desire is there.
Contact Info:
- Instagram: https://instagram.com/dreamingkt.arts?igshid=YmMyMTA2M2Y=
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/KatieHarlanThompson
- Other: Email: DreamingKT.arts@gmail.com
Image Credits
Julia Bri Photography Katie Harlan-Thompson