We’re excited to introduce you to the always interesting and insightful Katie Thompson. We hope you’ll enjoy our conversation with Katie below.
Katie, thanks for joining us, excited to have you contributing your stories and insights. What’s been the most meaningful project you’ve worked on?
I’ve found that all of my projects have to really speak to me on a deeply personal level, or be some sort of service to those in need or underrepresented.
Awesome – so before we get into the rest of our questions, can you briefly introduce yourself to our readers.
I’m Katie Thompson, I am an independent artist writer and advocate living outside of Charleston, SC. I am the creator of the Women of Woodworking Project and Pen & Chisel, a digital journal for woodworkers, artists and makers. I also serve on the Board of Trustees for The Furniture Society, and create my own works under my studio name, Black Swamp.
I first got into the advocacy field during college. I worked for a non-profit arts organization for the City of Charleston and that helped me gain experience and also realize my passion for helping others through the creative arts. I have always been a writer and a creative person myself, however I didn’t really start a formal creative practice until I started woodworking with my husband who I met through that job and married in 2011. Finding ways to tell our story as artists as well as my experiences through work, and my degree in communications all prepared me to create my own meaningful projects. I aim to provide other artists inclusive opportunities and community, as well as the tools they need to stay confident in their creative development and practice.
It’s hard to pick on thing that I am most proud of, but I think it’s the fact that I’ve been able to structure my professional and personal practices to be of some type of service towards others. I want to leave what I find and create with better than I found it. I also yearn to hear all of the untold stories, perspectives and creative ideas that get stifled by fear, underrepresentation and lack of opportunity. I know what it’s like to feel alone and unheard, and in everything I do I want people to feel the opposite.
Can you share a story from your journey that illustrates your resilience?
I am a spinal cord injury and meningitis survivor, and I explore a lot of those experiences in my work. When I was 18 I stood up from my desk at college and sustained a freak spinal cord compression from a slipped disc. I contracted meningitis several weeks later and my life has never been quite the same. Right away I became focused on transmuting these obstacles into valuable stepping stones on my journey. I have had dozens of surgeries and procedures, and currently have three electrical spinal cord stimulators that have transformed my life, allowing me to create more. I am grateful for the hardship because it’s made the world that much more vibrant and beautiful in comparison. It’s made me who I am and made me a better, more compassionate person. I have found my purpose in sharing my story and advocating for others so that no families have to suffer horrible trauma and loss.
Any insights you can share with us about how you built up your social media presence?
It’s been quite a long journey with social media, but it’s brought me so many more opportunities than I thought possible. I actually now teach several workshops for artists and other creatives looking to get started or enhance their current social media presence. In my experience being authentic and consistent are the best tools to use in building relationships over social media. Remember, it’s more about impact than numbers when it comes to being successful on social media. You can get just as many if not more opportunities from a smaller following by creating genuine connections.
My best advice is to be yourself and don’t be afraid to be vulnerable when the time calls for it, especially for creatives that are looking to create and sustain connection with their audience and potential customers. Your story is a tool only you can utilize, so go for it – it’s what will also set you apart from the crowd and help people remember you and your work.
Contact Info:
- Website: ktthompson.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/electric_katie/
- Youtube: https://youtube.com/@KtkozarThompson?si=bM0B59VQ8tKmiqYu
- Other: Women of Woodworking: @womenofwoodworking on Instagram
Image Credits
Wood curl and green cane portraits are by Joseph Nienstedt.