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

Alright, Kathryn thanks for taking the time to share your stories and insights with us today. Are you happier as a creative? Do you sometimes think about what it would be like to just have a regular job? Can you talk to us about how you think through these emotions?

Yes! I’m really grateful to be working as a professional full-time artist but certainly miss the regular income! If it wasn’t for my supportive husband, I would be working another job to support my creative process as a painter.

Being able to truly focus on my different facets of art such as painting abstractly, or realistically or designing colorful, abstract silk scarves, each aspect matters greatly and much attention has to given to the business of art.
It is definitely a full time job and not just about creating the next work on the easel, that is only the first step!

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?

Hello! I’m Kathryn Gastelum, a native of Tucson, AZ and graduate from the University of Arizona with a BFA in Graphic Design. During that time I studied abroad in Paris, France for Art/Art History. It was an indelible experience that deeply inspired my passion for all artwork, appreciation of diverse cultures and centuries of incredible art.

Years later, after being in Advertising a short time, I became intrigued by Interior Design, I found it to be the missing link to art since so many amazing works of art can be placed into any unique space. So, I returned to school and became certified after studying at the Arizona Institute of Interior Design. I gained experience working at an Interior Design firm and then joined my husband/Architect at our own business Centerline Design & Interiors.

Around 2008 I returned to painting, took workshops and classes and loved Abstract Expressionism. It is so unique and never boring! Any viewer may see something new within that painting. It takes much practice, with trial and errors, personal growth and challenges for any successful painting to become finished.

At this time, I am so proud to have been cultivating authority with my work, gaining awards and press and getting into National Abstract juried shows. The past year I had inclusion with the Artist Alliance Collective with Jen Tough Gallery. I was able to gain more exposure in many different markets such as: Red Dot Art in Miami during Art week, Art Expo New York, Art Santa Fe and Art San Diego. Being an artist is not an easy profession and there is a lot of disappointing times, but staying postive, driven and the passion to create art keeps the spark and forward momentum!

What’s the most rewarding aspect of being a creative in your experience?

The most rewarding aspect of being an artist is that you bring such happiness to the viewer and the patron! They have something beautiful that is personal to them, a one-of-a kind painting that exudes color, interest and intrigue to their home or office space.

It is the best when your work resonates with the viewer. And in abstraction, it’s awesome to hear what they might “see” in the painting which the artist may have not even seen!

Have any books or other resources had a big impact on you?

I enjoy positive quotes and connecting spiritually and mindfully with gratitude.

Also, the book “Ninth Street Women” by Mary Gabriel is so insightful and fascinating about The Five Painters and the Movement That Changed Modern Art – about Lee Krasner, Elaine de Kooning, Grace Hartigan, Joan Mitchell and Helen Frankenthaler.

With my interior design fascination, I still follow great design magazines like Elle Decor, Veranda and Architectural Digest for color trends, global design and beautiful jewelry.

Contact Info:

• Website: KathrynGastelumArt.com
• Instagram: https://instagram.com/kathryngastelumart
• Facebook: https://facebook.com/kathryngastelumart

Image Credits
Deanna Baumgardner, Kathryn Gastelum