We were lucky to catch up with Katie Carr recently and have shared our conversation below.
Katie, thanks for taking the time to share your stories with us today Did you always know you wanted to pursue a creative or artistic career? When did you first know?
Early on in my life I was exposed to Art. Specifically, oil paints and landscape pieces created by my grandfather, Walter Hans Koernert. Surrounded by the nostalgic smell of paints and the intricate ships my Papa would build from start to finish with such dainty pieces of wood and glue, I knew from a very early age I had the art gene. Not one to draw elaborate concepts or stand out in any artistic way, I rather understood the significance of art and how meaningful it could be to those who appreciated the creativity.
My Papa came to America in his early 20’s, escaping World War 2 in Graupa, Germany. He worked with his hands throughout his life, as an engineer/architect or sort for Duke Power, then later in life with his painting and woodworking. I was drawn to his determination and grit. The ability to make a life for himself, his new Southern bride and two sons, not only impressed me, but inspired me. He always said, “do a job you love, and you will never work a day in your life.” Simple, right? But often overlooked as one of life’s biggest wins.
I remember when I graduated high school, Papa gifted me two different sunset views on a medium sized canvas with the most beautiful hues of oil paints. One reminded me of Hawaii, Maui specifically, the other reminding me of anywhere on a beach, leaving me finding words to describe the feelings the art gave me and putting them on paper. Organically, I had also developed a love for writing. Taking my love for telling creative stories into print, I served as our High School Newspaper Editor, carrying into my collegiate experience as Opinion Editor of our Newspaper. I knew in my heart; writing was another element I was beginning to covet in the creative space.
Upon graduating from The University of North Carolina Wilmington, I began my corporate career at an Insurance Company. I was able to take my creative side of my brain and couple it with a master’s degree in Business from The University of Georgia, eventually landing a role where I can challenge my creative side to find business solutions for the company through the use of evolving technology. To say I am doing a job I love is an understatement. I know that I fully understand the advice my grandfather gave me all those years ago.
So, when did the painting start? I started my family in 2012, after marrying my best friend Tim, and the following year having our first child, Anna Catherine. In 2015, we welcomed our son Matthew Walter. These two children bring me so much love and gratitude it is almost impossible to describe the true feelings I experience as their mother.
In 2017, when Matthew was 2 almost 3 years old, I started to notice a difference in his behavior and followed my intuition. What followed in the subsequent years was a series of doctors’ appointments, therapies, exhausting discussions and lonely doubts. Matthew received his diagnosis of Level 1 Autism in the summer of 2018. To describe his personality makes me smile and take a deep breath all at once. He is the most interesting little guy. Can recite baseball statistics from 25 years ago without error, and complete math equations in his head. He asks probably on average, 278 questions a day, but all of them with merit and because he is truly interested. His brain never stops. My brain never stops as an extension of him. I started painting to do something without talking, without thinking, that expressed my feelings and brought me back to the nostalgic feelings I had watching my grandfather hand me a new painting with profound pride. I found my peace of mind. What turned out to be an escape, turned into a creative journey I would begin and never look back.
Other people started to ask me for commission pieces and somehow, I found I was not only creating a peaceful, healthy space for me to release tension, but bringing others peace through my abstracts too. That made me happy that I could create something for someone else. A painting with rich blue and grey oil hues that evoke feelings of a calm sea, pairing in an office for a glance of tranquility during the work from home phenomenon. Or a bright pink splash of color against a turquoise backdrop, reminding one customer of flamingos and the perfect piece to look at upon waking up every morning. I was starting to do shows and building a brand. Could I be a working corporate mother and an artist? Well, my Papa did it. So could I.
Katie, 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 grew up in Eastern North Carolina, 45 minutes from the coast. I am naturally drawn to the ocean, seagulls, seashells, and oysters. My style is reflective of all of these things painted into abstract oil pieces on various sized canvases. My favorite being a very large piece with texture. I love to feel the art. To walk up to a painting and touch it. Making my mind feel I am walking on the beach, bending down and touching the rough shells. Calming, soothing, relaxing, these are the feelings I try to invoke in potential customers.
What do you find most rewarding about being a creative?
The most rewarding part of becoming an artist over time is first and foremost the fact I was able to find a creative outlet to release stress and allow me to be a better wife, mother, daughter, sister, friend, etc. I am beyond blessed with the hobby of creating something literally on a blank canvas, that others can enjoy as well. We all need that safe space to vent, to sort out our insecurities and to explore creativity. I am finding my sanity through art, is the most rewarding. Honestly, if I could share one piece of advice to anyone out there debating on beginning a creative journey, DO IT. Just do it. As Hunter S. Thompson said, “buy the ticket, take the ride.” If you feel something, release it into your space. Running a marathon, painting a mural, reading a set of Harry Potter novels, volunteering at a local charity, scrolling Instagram, whatever it may be that brings you peace and happiness, just DO IT.
We’d love to hear the story of how you built up your social media audience?
Building a social media presence was not an exciting thing for me. I struggle putting myself out there and saying “hey, look at what I can do (cue the Stuart from Mad TV SNL skit).” It is not a natural thing for me to be vulnerable and ask for support. But isn’t it hard for everyone? Uncomfortable I suppose is the better description. It is necessary though. Create an Instagram handle, pair it with Facebook, take the plunge on ordering a really cute business card and make a Web site. If you want to put yourself out there, do it all. I knew that if I wanted to begin to do this for real as a way to not only be an escape for me as a mother, but to create opportunities for my family to travel or experience something we normally wouldn’t have budgeted for, then I knew it had to be all in. Social Media is the experience of finding a business or person/thing on the internet. Socializing your creativity opens doors that may never have opened. The influence of the web is tremendous. Gone are the days of print advertisements (although I do appreciate a newspaper, in print); but now we have so many different platforms to showcase. Also, be intentional about it. I do not have a million followers, but I am ok with that. I don’t want someone to follow me because they want a follow back. I want someone to follow me (my creativity) because it gives them something in return. So in short, don’t hold back on showing your work to the world. You never know who may really need something you can share. And make it easy on them. Point, click, Easy.
Contact Info:
- Website: www.kkcabstracts.com
- Instagram: kkcabstracts
- Facebook: kkcabstracts