Today we’d like to introduce you to Kathryn Gastelum.
Hi Kathryn, thanks for joining us today. We’d love for you to start by introducing yourself.
Hello! I’m Kathryn Gastelum, a native of Tucson, AZ, and I graduated from the University of Arizona with a BFA in Graphic Design. I studied abroad, in Paris, France, for art/art history. It was a memorable experience that deeply inspired my passion for all artwork, appreciation of diverse cultures, and centuries of incredible art. In addition, I’m deeply rooted in our Southwest desert beauty, stunning sunsets, and Jazz music, which continue to be my inspiration. Years later, after being in Advertising for a short time, I became intrigued by Interior Design; I found it to be the missing link to art since so many incredible works of art can be placed into any unique space. So, I returned to school and became certified at the Arizona Institute of Interior Design. I gained experience working at an Interior Design firm, became an Allied Member with ASID, and then joined my husband/Architect at our own business, Centerline Design & Interiors.
Around 2008, I returned to painting full-time, took workshops and classes, and gravitated toward abstract expressionism. It is so unique and never dull! Any viewer may see something new within that painting. Working abstractly takes years of work, trial and error, personal growth, and working through design challenges for any painting to be finished successfully. I have always enjoyed studying works by abstract masters, Impressionism, Fauves, Art Deco art, jewelry, and architecture.
I am so proud to have cultivated authority with my work, gained awards and press, and got into National Abstract juried shows. The past year, I was included with the Artist Alliance Collective with Jen Tough Gallery, which resulted in gaining more exposure in many different markets, such as Red Dot Art in Miami during Art Week, Art Expo New York, Art Santa Fe, and Art San Diego and also a new artist with Great Big Canvas. Being an artist can be extremely challenging, with many disappointing times. However, staying positive, driven, and passionate about creating art keeps the spark and momentum going forward!
Would it have been a smooth road, and if not, what are some of the biggest challenges you’ve faced along the way?
The road is not easy, but it’s worth taking every opportunity! It is a stepping stone for growth, and there’s great satisfaction in knowing you are better off going through the experience and putting yourself out there. Keep learning with new classes and workshops, attend art openings, and network! As an artist, the’ Business of Art’ is vast, and it’s usually up to you to do it all – and you learn along the way. Creating the artwork is only the beginning -and the best part of it all. Then there is the photography, the website and maintenance, social media posts, submitting to art calls, writing bios and statements, planning and organizing open studios art fairs, sending email blasts, doing a newsletter, and staying connected to your patrons and friends and coming up with exciting new shows there is always so much to do!
Thanks for sharing that. Please tell us more about your work.
My passion is to paint abstractly in oil and cold wax medium on canvas, cradled board, or paper, which is not standard for many artists. I also enjoy pulling myself into painting realistically because it requires such focus and attention. I’ve heard that many abstract artists aren’t comfortable doing this, so I’m proud I can paint in both styles. My paintings are mostly large in scale, colorful, and encompass organic or geometric shapes or very painterly. I also design and paint abstractly on stone-wash silk scarves and eyeglass cases, which is another exciting direction! I use Jacquard professional dyes, steam-set each painted panel, hand wash, and iron. They are beautiful, vibrant, original works of art ready to wear in any season! Having something as your “bread & butter” pieces is essential for additional income. I sell these during Open Studio in December, along with my new paintings and works, at various price points. They have been very successful and selling!
What changes are you expecting over the next 5-10 years?
After participating in several Art Expos with Jen Tough Gallery/Artist Alliance Collective over the past year, I received added exposure in markets such as Red Dot Miami, Art Expo New York, Art Santa Fe, and Art Santa Fe. Many buyers were less interested in purely abstract paintings and more in figurative art. Even if the art is more abstract realism, this is what seems to be selling at this time. Also, depending on the market, the palette of your art can be spot on – or off-target. It makes you think about your style, but staying true to your mark is what matters. Another shift is that you can be with something other than a gallery for success. There are so many calls to artists that you can submit to, and aim high for juried national shows and competitions to gain authority with your art. Many galleries now consign art with changing shows, although the 50/50 standard still applies.
Contact Info:
- Website: KathrynGastelumArt.com
- Instagram: https://instagram.com/kathryngastelumart
- Facebook: https://facebook.com/kathryngastelumart
Image Credits
Al Gastelum, Kathryn Gastelum
