We’re excited to introduce you to the always interesting and insightful Kathy Mohl. We hope you’ll enjoy our conversation with Kathy below.
Kathy, appreciate you joining us today. We’d love to hear about a project that you’ve worked on that’s meant a lot to you.
The most meaningful project for me was my recent Artist in Residency at the Glen Arbor Art Association. I am consider that a project because I submitted my entry and defined what I planned to do during the residency should I be selected, and then once I was selected I had to follow through with my proposal. It is meaningful because I had never participated in an artist residency before and it was truly a transformational experience. First of all it was an honor to be accepted. I had applied in previous years and was not selected but I did not let that deter me. I applied again last year and was thrilled to discover that I had been accepted. It is a solo, self-guided two-week residency. The purpose of the residency is to provide visiting artists with a respite from daily responsibilities to enable them to concentrate on their work in a unique locale. I was given an apartment and a studio and was obligated to give a presentation to the community at the end of my stay. This residency is open to all creative disciplines and there are only seven people chosen per year so I felt it was quite an honor.
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Kathy, before we move on to more of these sorts of questions, can you take some time to bring our readers up to speed on you and what you do?
I am a full-time artist creating contemporary landscape-inspired paintings. I work in oil and mixed media and am represented by several galleries in west Michigan and northern Michigan. I am an avid Plein air painter and I also create larger size pieces in my studio. My work is in many private and public collections. I have studied and practiced art throughout my life. I worked as a graphic designer and illustrator for many years prior to becoming a full-time artist. I also worked at an art gallery which I believe sets me apart from others because that experience gave me a true respect and understanding of both sides of the business of selling art. I am dedicated to my art. I participate in four gallery shows per year, creating a new body of work for each show and I’ve been doing that for over 15 years. I also do commissioned work and I feel all of my previous experience working with clients is helpful when communicating with clients about commissions. In addition to my gallery shows I participate in many juried competitions and exhibitions throughout the year, usually around 4-5 additional exhibitions. I do demonstrations at many of these shows as well, where I work on a painting and share my process. I also teach workshops occasionally.
What do you find most rewarding about being a creative?
Being an artist has its ups and downs just like anything else, however it very fulfilling to be able to work at something that I’ve loved my entire life. My favorite quote is from Maya Angelou: You can’t use up creativity. The more you use, the more you have.” I can honestly say this is true. I am so grateful to have something that I am passionate about and always feel as if I’m emerging and growing at my craft. The more I practice my art the more it gives back to me in so many ways. There is always more to explore, always more to learn, always more to be inspired by. Another rewarding aspect of being an artist is the response I get from others who have either purchased my work or just admire it. It is so amazing to hear what someone else feels from artwork that I have created. I am honored each and every time I sell a piece and I have made some amazing connections with collectors.
Is there a particular goal or mission driving your creative journey?
I have always felt a spiritual element present in nature and I believe nature will always be the driver in my creative journey. Although my work has evolved through the years, I find that I am driven to paint what is unseen. I’m expressing a mood or feeling inspired by light and color and just like Maya Angelou’s quote, the more I create, the more creative I become.
Contact Info:
- Website: www.kathymohl.com
- Instagram: @kathymohlfineart
- Facebook: kathymohlfineart
- Linkedin: ww.linkedin.com/in/kathymohl