We recently connected with Katherine Sharpless and have shared our conversation below.
Katherine, thanks for joining us, excited to have you contributing your stories and insights. When did you first know you wanted to pursue a creative/artistic path professionally?
I had an art teacher who told me, “this part of you that wants to make art never goes away”.
Looking back from where I am now on my childhood and adolescence, it is clear I always was going to have a career in the arts. All I ever did was spend my time drawing and creating, and through making art I developed my own inner life and independence. But when I was a teenager, I didn’t know being an artist was possible. I entertained other ideas that would be “more stable” and had a clearer path. It wasn’t until my art teacher told me that my love for the arts would never leave me, did I realize I couldn’t leave my art behind in turn.
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.
I am a set designer and artist currently working in Los Angeles, CA. I design sets, experiences, and installations across several different industries- including theater, film and tv, events, and exhibits. The final product varies for every project, but I always work with a team of people to bring storytelling to life. Every project is an opportunity to learn something new, try a new composition or style, and meet other creatives. No matter the scope, I begin my projects with thorough research, provide technical draftings, and see designs through from napkin sketch to show time.
While in school, I was very interested in painting and drawing, and began to help the theater department paint scenery. I learned about set design, and it so perfectly combined all of my interests- in art, literature, history, entertainment. I attended the School of Drama at Carnegie Mellon University, which was an excellent place to learn the technical skills of the craft and how to generate new ideas.
Every project has its own set of challenges, and I mold my style to fit the need of each project. I love to start each project by drawing a connection between the subject and art history so I can learn from other artists and infuse my designs with history.
The fast paced entertainment industry has challenged me to really rely on my instincts, and I’m proud to have a routine when designing that helps me overcome creative blocks and stay on schedule.
Outside of set designing, I spend my time oil painting. At this point, this is mostly a creative practice for me to keep challenging myself- and not a commercial venture.
Have any books or other resources had a big impact on you?
I recommend the following books on essays, mostly centered on how to develop a dedicated creative practice:
Art and Fear by David Bayles and Ted Orland
The Imperfectionist by Oliver Burkeman
The works of Austin Kleon
How to Live an Artful Life by Katy Hessel
The works of Mary Oliver
In your view, what can society to do to best support artists, creatives and a thriving creative ecosystem?
I think the best thing most people can do is put in the extra effort to find local artists and craftspeople to support with their dollar!
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.katherinesharpless.com/
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/katherine.sharpless/
- Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/katherine-sharpless
Image Credits
First image of Into the Woods theater set, photo credit David Rubin
All other photos are my own