Today we’d like to introduce you to Kate Wade.
Kate, we appreciate you taking the time to share your story with us today. Where does your story begin?
I was creating art from the moment I could hold a pencil. Art has always been a passion of mine, and, as a young girl, I dreamt of becoming an artist. In middle school, I was honored to have my art piece hung in the main gallery at the entrance of the school. I will never forget that piece and how it made me feel. It was a simple color theory painting of circles! The moment I saw my art hanging was when I knew art would be a major part of my life. This accomplishment filled my soul. I knew I had to continue creating. In high school, while looking at colleges, we toured Savannah College of Art and Design. As soon as I stepped foot onto that campus I was hooked. Art was everywhere! Students were being who they wanted to be, dressing in a range of personalities! And, kindness spread throughout that campus! I knew I had to go there! During the first couple years at SCAD, I was in that “unidentified artist” phase, and it did take a little while to identify myself into an art genre.
Later into college, my portrait professor had us create a portrait painting of “something” that was a figure with a face. I decided to really push this idea and it clicked. I knew where my art wanted to go! I created this piece about idioms. I decided to gather the funkiest idioms (some of which included the devil in the clouds, crying over spilled milk, turning the day off, and when pigs fly) and make them interact seamlessly with each other. By the end of the piece, I was so proud of what I created. I marched confidently into class, and my professor was so pleased. From that moment, I knew what type of artist I wanted to be.
Today, as a young woman, I’m making that artist dream a reality. I am an art restorer who still creates those funky idiom paintings, challenging my limits, displaying in and traveling to galleries hoping to eventually have one of my own.
Alright, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
Life is never a smooth road, there are always obstacles. Starting college during COVID was a major bump in my road. My art suffered the greatest because I could rarely leave the house. I was left with the same walls which slowly diminished my inspiration. The four brick walls on Lilliesleaf Glenn Lane in North Carolina left no room for artistic expression.
My classes were all online and dorm life was non-existent. I could not experience my classmates’ art with my senses nor could they experience mine.
Looking back the COVID years created a smudge on my canvas.
Alright, so let’s switch gears a bit and talk business. What should we know about your work?
I am an artist who specializes in oils and creates funky idiom paintings! Pushing the idea of idioms, I make people pause and think. The varied reactions I receive always make me smile as well as give me inspiration for my other pieces.
Graduating from SCAD, becoming an Art Restoration Specialist, and being accepted into art galleries are some of my proudest moments. Walking into a gallery, seeing my piece hanging next to fellow artists, I experience a little taste of “I made it” every time.
My bubbly personality, vibrant color palettes and wacky style is what sets me apart from others. I hope to continue to bring thought and joy through my art.
How do you define success?
The definition of success varies from person to person. I identify success through my accomplishments and being able to overcome challenges. Being able to hang my piece on a wall (whether it is my own or a clients’) thinking it would be impossible to complete brings a smile to my face. That smile and sense of accomplishment is what I define as success.
Pricing:
- *For any inquiries please contact me at katekreatesit@gmail.com
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.katekreatesit.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/katekreatesit/
- LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/katewade-katekreatesit/
