We’re excited to introduce you to the always interesting and insightful Kathleen Rupff. We hope you’ll enjoy our conversation with Kathleen below.
Kathleen, thanks for taking the time to share your stories with us today Do you think your parents have had a meaningful impact on you and your journey?
As a teenager, I was excited to attend beautiful St. Mary’s College of Maryland, a small liberal arts college, in the fall of 1982. However, after the first month I was homesick, thought I’d made a big mistake and wanted to come home. I remember sitting on the bed of a floormate who had a phone in her room, scared to have this difficult conversation with my parents. I was sure they would be furious and disappointed. However, they supported my decision! Knowing I had their support either way, helped me let go of my fears, and I never gave leaving another thought. College went on to be one of the best experiences of my life! In hindsight, I was simply overwhelmed by all the changes and needed support and time to process my feelings – something I still need today!
Mom and Dad also didn’t discourage me as a sophomore when I changed my major from English to Art. I had zero plans for my future, but enjoyed creating, as it seemed to come naturally. I flourished in St. Mary’s nurturing environment as I learned to experiment with painting, collage, drawing, photography, intaglio, and metal sculpture. I was thrilled to sell my first pieces of art to a fellow student and my advisor, and was both stunned and honored to be the only student to receive two Superior Artist awards in the 1986 St. Mary’s Senior Art Show. I found I loved working on large canvases and “Transformation” (1986, oil painting, 2’ x 5’) received one of these awards.
I spent an extra semester at college to participate in an art internship at the St. Mary’s Historical Society Print Shop. Little did I know that the typesetting, layout, silk-screening, and camera skills I learned would open the door for the career in printing I would begin a few years later.
I often dream of college – that happy time of learning, freedom, possibility, and fun. I totally took it for granted at the time but am now exceedingly grateful to my parents for the sacrifices they made to provide this for me.
Awesome – so before we get into the rest of our questions, can you briefly introduce yourself to our readers.
A year after college I moved to Delaware to attend a 2-year Bible school at Victory Christian Fellowship, a large international ministry. In 1988 I began volunteering in their print shop, then was hired to be their staff graphic designer and pre-press coordinator for the next 18 years. I did briefly take a hiatus from Victory in 2001 to work with a corporate team of graphic designers for MBNA America, but then returned to work at the ministry the following year. The 1990s ushered in the age of computer graphics, and I received additional schooling which enabled me to become proficient in industry-standard design software. Although it was challenging to manage a busy department and work under tight deadlines, I’m so grateful for my season at VCF because it permanently established the design skills that I carry with me and still utilize to this day.
Since marrying and moving to NJ in 2007, my husband has supported and encouraged me to develop my fine art skills, and continue my education through various schools, groups and societies. For example, upon completion of additional collegiate coursework, in 2009 I received my Certificate of Eligibility to teach Art in NJ public schools. And since then, I’ve been creating visual art, children’s book illustrations, photographs, and greeting card designs. I now work mainly in paper collage and digital painting, often combining the two. I’m inspired both by the beauty in nature, and spiritual/biblical themes, and view creating as a sacred time of discovery, therapy, and even healing amidst the complexities and challenges of life in our ever-changing world.
Almost all of the great opportunities that have come my way are a result of connection to other creatives—writers, artists, mentors, and teachers—all passing along their knowledge and wisdom while connecting me to new methods, materials, vendors, events, classes, shows, contests, etc. Like any journey, there’s ups and downs, starts and stops. My goal is to let joy and curiosity be my guide. This requires courage, and it’s helpful and more fun if you have friends and comrades to share this journey with. I’m especially blessed to be a part of a small local group of female artists called “Springboard’, led by Emily Gilman Beezley and Jennifer Merz. Our group also includes Elizabeth Robles, Vicky Katzman, Dr. Joy Yoo, and Lydia Baldassarre. We meet regularly to share our journeys and lives with each other, as well as hold group art shows.
Have any books or other resources had a big impact on you?
Yes, I wanted to mention an amazing female artist/entrepreneur that I only learned about a few years ago. I was watching an episode of Antiques Roadshow and someone brought in one of Sister Corita Kent’s colorful graphic silkscreen prints to be evaluated. She was a 1960s-70s artist, designer, educator and former religious sister. I was immediately intrigued, not only by the beautiful print, but Sister Corita herself. Anything from the 1960s already pulls my heartstrings, but I was surprised to learn that she was an innovative, highly successful female artist/entrepreneur of her day, as well as a nun! According to information I found on the www.hammer.ucla.edu website, The Los Angeles Times proclaimed her 1966’s woman of the year, and she appeared on the cover of Newsweek magazine in 1967, as well as in hundreds of other magazine and newspaper articles. She was a bit of a household name– her work was acquired by prestigious museums as well as everyday people. As a person of faith, Sister Corita boldly and beautifully incorporated what she was most passionate about into her colorful graphic designs. I greatly admire her passion for self-expression through a brilliant combination of both art and writing, and have affectionately adopted her as a mentor.
Sister Corita also taught art at Immaculate Heart College in Los Angeles, CA. I love the “Ten Rules” she developed for her students (applicable to all creatives), especially Rule #4 – “Consider everything an experiment”, and Rule #6 – “Nothing’s a mistake. There’s no win and no fail, only make”. Check it out! https://store.corita.org/products/ten-rules-poster
Let’s talk about resilience next – do you have a story you can share with us?
I’m a big proponent of following your heart–whether it’s a goal, a dream, or a desire. You may have opposition; not everyone may understand; and often the timing is out of our control. But hang in there, even if it’s taking a loooooong time. (For example, I’m a late bloomer and didn’t meet my dear husband until I was 41!)
About 15 years ago a fellow artist shared an email about a call for art that a large NJ healthcare system was making. They were seeking contributions for their Healing Arts program, as they were expanding and needed artwork to fill their new hospitals. I thought it would be such an honor if I were to have my artwork chosen to be a part of their healing environment. Although it seemed out of reach, I dreamed about being a part of this program where visitors, staff members, and families dealing with health crises might possibly be encouraged, cheered, or uplifted in some way.
For years I submitted my nature photography, but none of the photos were accepted. Then about five years ago something changed… I felt inspired to create and submit some colorful mixed media collages and paintings for the hospital’s obstetrics and gynecology unit. They ended up purchasing three of my pieces! Since that door opened, they have purchased even more of my designs. I’m beyond thrilled, and so glad that I didn’t give up. Now I have been able to pass this opportunity on to other NJ artists.
It’s hard to wait… but follow your heart. Your breakthrough may come sooner than you think!
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.kathleenrupff.com
