We’re excited to introduce you to the always interesting and insightful Kate Ebling. We hope you’ll enjoy our conversation with Kate below.

Alright, Kate thanks for taking the time to share your stories and insights with us today. When did you first know you wanted to pursue a creative/artistic path professionally?

I have wanted to pursue a creative career as far back as I can remember. I began creating artwork with my mom at the kitchen table as soon as I was able to sit up and grasp onto things. I vividly recall the colorful salt dough sculptures we would make, and printmaking with potatoes. I have so many wonderful memories creating at the kitchen table as a child. In fact, most days I still find myself drawing or painting in the same spot despite having a home studio to work from. I am just now realizing this connection, actually. It must be because it gives me a sense of peace.

As a child you’re asked, “What do you want to be when you grow up?” and my response without hesitation was always, “an artist!” Back then I didn’t know to what capacity I wanted to pursue art and, to be honest, I am still sort of figuring that out. However, it is safe to say my mom cultivated my interest in art and is the reason I am an artist and art teacher today. I remember being immersed in numerous mediums at an early age; loving watercolor pencils, beading on a loom, and my toy pottery wheel. Not only was I given so many opportunities to create art at home, but it was celebrated as well. My mom proudly displayed my artwork on the walls and cupboards. She had my work professionally framed and would hang anything that I made. Even to the point when I was in college and I came home to my awful textile mural being hung across our living room wall. I was embarrassed. Even I knew it was bad, but she genuinely loved it and would have gladly kept it strung up like a tapestry in a college dorm room if I had let her. Have you ever heard the phrase, “weird moms build character?” My mom was eccentric; she was creative and was unapologetically her. I am so thankful to have had those experiences and memories as building blocks to inspire who I am today. Not only do I get to be an artist, but I get to share my passion and foster a love of art with my students. I can’t think of a better way to honor my mom.

Kate, love having you share your insights with us. Before we ask you more questions, maybe you can take a moment to introduce yourself to our readers who might have missed our earlier conversations?

I was born and raised in Western New York. I am a full-time elementary art teacher and have been teaching for 15 years! I love that being an art teacher allows me to continue to work in many styles and mediums on a daily basis with my students. My lessons often inspire ideas for my own work. Though, I have mostly enjoyed working in realism. I love the challenge it brings and the satisfaction of creating something resembling a photograph out of what seems like nothing. It’s only been recently that I have gotten back into creating my own artwork and working on pet and house portrait commissions. I just so happened to stumble upon pet portraiture and realized how much I adore creating bespoke portraits of animals. About two years ago I was at a local craft store and came across a wood blank that was shaped like my then puppy Ranger. I purchased it with the intent of making his portrait on it and it was added to a pile of to-do’s. Then one stormy winter day our power went out, we were snowed in, and there wasn’t much to do. I pulled out my old colored pencils and started to sketch Ranger out on the wood ornament, by candlelight. I posted a progress picture on my personal Facebook page for fun and immediately had an influx of messages asking me to draw other people’s pets. At this point in my life, it was hard for me to find time to make artwork that wasn’t a teacher exemplar, but I had nothing but time on my hands since our power would be out for a while and we had a snow day the following day from school. So, I agreed to draw a few portraits for friends and family. I’d post the finished works and it just grew from there. Requests for pet and house portraits continued to flow in.

No matter what the subject matter, I loved how I felt when I was engulfed in these projects. The satisfaction of making something out of nothing. It became a priority for me to make art again, so I set aside time to make artwork each day. Once it became routine for me, I was able to take on projects I wanted to do. I completed a mural for our local county fair and won first place. I started contemplating innovative ideas; what I wanted to do, make, express and I did it. I pushed myself to work intuitively, used new media, and combine more abstract ideas of spirituality, the metaphysical and our natural world. I am at a place where I have balance. I’m in my happy place when I am creating, whether it is drawing people’s beloved pets, painting their homes, or working on personal projects.

What do you find most rewarding about being a creative?

Creating art is intrinsically rewarding no matter what you are making. However, when I am able to create a piece of art for someone of their childhood home, or a family pet, there is an emotional connection with the piece. I love being able to provide the recipient of my portraits a little joy, comfort, peace, or whatever it is they need. A few years ago, I lost my soul dog Gucci. He was a little white chihuahua, fierce and mighty, but had so much love. I wanted to be able to draw a portrait of him after he passed, but it was too emotional for me. I couldn’t bring myself to do it. So being able to provide that for others means the world to me.

What can society do to ensure an environment that’s helpful to artists and creatives?

We are in an age where everything is accessible at our fingertips. We can view artwork and discover artists from all around the world, and across so many platforms. Our society is now advancing so quickly that AI can generate basically anything. However, I think we will always value one-of-a-kind handmade things. Anyone can support an artist; whether it is financially by purchasing their work, following their social media, or “liking” and sharing their artwork for new viewers to discover. I believe one of the most important ways we can be supportive of fellow artists is to recognize other creatives and celebrate their ideas and work. Whether they’re doing something similar to you or are on opposite ends of the spectrum, collaboration over competition is invaluable.

Contact Info:

• Instagram: @kateebling.art
• Other: [email protected]

Image Credits
P.J. Szeider