Today we’d like to introduce you to Kathryn Gastelum.
Kathryn, please kick things off for us by telling us about yourself and your journey so far.
As a true native of Tucson, Arizona, art has always been a part of me and throughout my education. While studying art at the University of Arizona, I became interested in studying abroad in Paris, France to experience first hand such amazing works of art. The love of Parisian life, art history, paintings, and the French language (okay, food and wine!) still has me traveling back today. I received my BFA in Graphic Design and continued to paint on my own time. After working in Advertising as a media buyer, and raising my cherished family, I found my interest was leading towards Interior Design. It was the missing link- since art & art history, together with design work beautifully. I returned to the Arizona Institute of Interior Design and received certification, later becoming an Associate Member of A.S.I.D, the American Society of Interior Designers.
Moving ahead several years, I felt the need to return wholeheartedly to art and establish myself as an artist, mostly in abstract art. I took workshops and classes to become more knowledgeable in oil, cold wax, acrylic mediums. At times, returning to paint figuratively for a specific subject like our southwest sunsets, French related subjects or the Sahara desert. For me, it’s all about color and composition and listening to classic jazz – a kind of improvisation in color -on my mostly large-scale abstract paintings. In addition to painting, I hand paint abstract designs on silk scarves, which has been most popular during our Tucson Open Studio Tour. My most recent venture has me back at the University of Arizona in their Museum Studies Certification grad program which should conclude in this Spring 2019.
Can you give our readers some background on your art?
As an abstract Artist, I want viewers to know each painting is improvisation in color! I listen to jazz when painting in the studio and each canvas is unique in its color and composition and in its size. Each painting is one-of-a-kind. I have a more ‘painterly’ style when using acrylics as my medium – it can be sprayed with water and worked before it quickly dries. When I paint with rich oil paints or a combination of oil and cold wax medium, organic/geometric shapes seem to emerge when using my palette knives and various other tools to scrape, scratch and take away layers of paint until the desired look is achieved.
Each painting is soul-driven and is slowly brought into focus as I turn the painting around from side to side until a certain direction speaks to me. My figurative or realism paintings capture scenes from distant places like the Sahara desert, French scenes or little doves sitting on a wire. These are usually painted in oil and vary in size.
My third style of painting is on stonewashed silk. I hand paint abstract designs on silk scarves with professional dyes. My designs are truly ‘in the moment’ as each color of dye moves and extends across the silk. They are then steamed, washed and ironed and ready as a statement piece for any season.
In your view, what is the biggest issue artists have to deal with?
There are so many talented artists who seek a platform for their artwork and continually work tirelessly to land the venue equal to their creativity and professional work. It’s a challenge to make it into most national or international calls among so many artists – having gallery representation, or someone with the knowledge to propel your work to another level is helpful and necessary. Making a living on art alone is extremely difficult, but it’s a passion project that is imperative.
What’s the best way for someone to check out your work and provide support?
Visitors and patrons may view my website: www.studiokgastelum.com.
I am one of eleven exhibiting artists at the Herberger Theater’s new exhibit” Sunrise or Sunset.”
which will be up until October 3o, 2018 in Phoenix, AZ
Feast Restaurant in Tucson, AZ has several of my abstract works on display.
Open Studio Tour, November 3-4, 2018 is also a great way to see new works and beautiful scarves.
Contact Info:
- Website: www.studiokgastelum.com
- Email: [email protected]
Image Credit:
Al Gastelum
Getting in touch: VoyagePhoenix is built on recommendations from the community; it’s how we uncover hidden gems, so if you know someone who deserves recognition please let us know here.
