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

Katie, appreciate you joining 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?

I found myself searching for a job with the State last year. Every other year I start to fantasize about a full-time job with health care, maybe even a 401 k. Drool. Then my husband swoops in and saves me from myself, he gives me the much-needed pep talk to keep going as a self-employed artist. Afterall, he has had to cohabitate with me when I had a full-time desk job, it’s no picnic.
It is the ever-changing income flow that sends me looking for a full-time job. The longing for something steady and profitable. Sometimes my work sells, sometimes it doesn’t, sometimes my classes are full with a waitlist other times they are half full. Everything ebbs and flows, finances change with the seasons, the political atmosphere or environmental disasters. Our town was devasted by a massive flood, we lost almost every single business. It has taken a year to come back from that, and it will never be the same. Businesses left; state workers disappeared; many businesses are barely hanging on.
So why do I stay and continue to paint and teach? It is like breathing for me, it’s not an option to quit if I want to live. I am grateful to be surrounded by family, friends and community that help keep my head above the water. They keep showing up, signing up for classes and giving amazing feedback. I know I can make change in a positive way if I keep going so that’s what I am going to do.

Awesome – so before we get into the rest of our questions, can you briefly introduce yourself to our readers.

I am Katie O’Rourke, a visual artist from Montpelier, Vermont. I am an artist, educator, mother, and fierce advocate for women. I’ve always been an artist, even before I understood what that meant. As a child, I loved building extravagant, winding roads in the sandbox with my Matchbox cars. I would dream of designing roads that twisted through mountains, around rivers, and alongside lakes.

I grew up in the suburbs of Albany, NY, unaware that such roads already existed—let alone that I would one day live among them. As a teenager, my grandfather pointed out that I saw the world differently from others because I was an artist. That statement completely changed my perspective, revealing a world I hadn’t even realized I was missing. My grandfather was probably the smartest person I knew, so hearing him say that had a profound and lasting impact on me.

For the past thirty years, I have painted in acrylics and oils, shifting between realism and abstraction—always inspired by nature and my surroundings. My work has been featured in solo and group exhibitions across the United States.

Seven years ago, I decided to start teaching when our daughter was in seventh grade. She needed something to do for the summer, so I created an art camp for seventh and eighth graders. For some reason, I found this age group less intimidating and a good place to start! It turns out, I loved it—and so did the kids. Together, we grew, and my pre-teens became young adults. Eventually, my painting classes expanded to include high school students and adults, evolving naturally into a vibrant community of all ages.

I believe growing alongside my students has deeply influenced and refined my teaching skills. One day, I realized that if I spoke to myself the way I spoke to my students or my children, I would be unstoppable. This shift in perspective has shaped both my life and my approach to teaching. Yes, I teach painting classes that emphasize color theory and abstract art, but I also teach joy and acceptance. Motherhood is a core part of my identity, and I instinctively extend love and encouragement to everyone I meet. More importantly, I help others learn to do the same—for themselves, in both their art and their lives.

Is there something you think non-creatives will struggle to understand about your journey as a creative? Maybe you can provide some insight – you never know who might benefit from the enlightenment.

First, I think everyone has potential to be a creative, even if they think they can’t draw a straight line! You make food for yourself, that’s creative. Anytime you build something from nothing, you are being creative. Making mistakes is part of the process. As adults we are so dang competent at our craft, business, job, etc. and can be hard on ourselves for not getting it right. I would encourage every person who thinks of themself as a non-creative to go sign up for an art class. Go somewhere where making mistakes is accepted, celebrated and helps improve your skills. Making mistakes will start to become a positive and I think that has a lasting impact on how you live your life. You can go to my website right now and take my free online painting class!

What can society do to ensure an environment that’s helpful to artists and creatives?

Participate in your local arts community. Show up at opening receptions, sign up for classes, buy a ticket to see that performance. Support by showing up and coming out! The pandemic pushed people into their homes, and many have decided to stay there. I get it, I love my home more than anything, but it’s important to show up. PLEASE don’t buy art for your home at the big box stores, there are so many artists crafting everything you could ever want in their homes and studios. If we could all be a little more thoughtful of where we make our purchases, I think we could positively impact the creative ecosystem.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.katieorourkeart.com
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/katieorourkeart
• Facebook: https://www,facebook.com/katieorourkeart
• Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@katieorourkeart

Image Credits

Kurt Budlieger
Jeb Wallace