Meet Kat Dickson

Today we’d like to introduce you to Kat Dickson.

Every artist has a unique story. Can you briefly walk us through yours?
Seven years ago, I had to retire from my 25-year career due to major health issues. I was two months short of getting my MBA, as I had planned on working many more years in Training and Organizational Development, I was just not ready to retire. For the first few months, I would go into my home office and just stare at all the certifications and accomplishments that were hanging on the walls. I’ve read that many retirees lose their sense of identity when they retire. When people ask “what you do”, you start to wonder “what do I do, and who am I”. Needless to say, I was in need of a new identity.

I joined several social groups and by coincidence, met another retired woman that attended a “beading” group that met up in Cave Creek. I had been dabbling in jewelry making for about two years, so I joined up. In that group, I met several other women who were interested in learning other art forms and we started attending workshops for polymer clay, stained glass, and other mixed media arts. The more I learned, the more excited I got. There were just so many ways to create art and put your heart into your pieces. I felt that I had found my place where I could combine all the art mediums I knew and turn random objects into fun and heartfelt creations. I remember finally starting to say to others, “I’m an artist” and how that new identity suited me.

Having so much time to learn and play was a gift not everyone gets and I am blessed that I am able to continue to learn and create and share my art in so many ways. One of the biggest challenges is finding and organizing my junk (literally). I spend a lot of time at the Goodwill Stores and friends often find great little gadgets to add to my collection.

Many of my pieces have been published in a number of issues of Mixed Media and Steam Punk magazines in the last three years. Family and friends receive my creations as presents, and galleries have asked for me to sell my pieces, but I do not want to sell. I cannot totally explain my reasons, but there are many. I am beginning to show my work in public exhibits, and that allows me to share them with others. I know it is starting to put me into that “eccentric” category because I now have over 70 pieces in my home. Fortunately, my husband is very supportive as my art pieces have gone from one end of the house to every nook and cranny throughout the house.

My creations often tell a story and usually have many elements of discovery, so that the longer you look at one of them, the more you will see that completes the story. I also give workshops at Women’s Retreats and at Children’s functions.

Please tell us about your art.
Many of my pieces are whimsical in nature as I love to make people laugh and just enjoy looking at them. I often put together pieces that depict strong and confident women. One year I made Warrior Women who are saving animals in various ways; Turtle Warrior Woman, Tiger Warrior Woman, Elephant Warrior Woman, etc.

As an artist, how do you define success and what quality or characteristic do you feel is essential to success as an artist?
I caught myself having trouble saying, “I’m an artist” and I think many artists have the same problem. Somehow, if they are not well-known or sell their work on a grand scale, they think they are not entitled to the title. That’s a good question, isn’t it? What is an Artist?. I have lead workshops where I remind the participants that if they are creating art; they are artists. Success in art is enjoying the creation of what you have made and enjoying it after it is completed. I don’t plan on getting famous and because I don’t sell my pieces, it would be difficult. I just have fun making stuff, I like to produce, so I am pretty prolific. I usually have about 5-7 mixed media pieces in different stages of creation. Since I also design and create jewelry, I work at least 40 hours per week in my studio.

I like to encourage aspiring artists to learn many mediums. You may find that one doesn’t suit your style, but another will light a fire in you. Many artists I know have dabbled in a variety of art mediums. I think part of art is the excitement of learning another way to create. There is an excitement that an artist feels when they learn a new technique, a new process, or a new medium. That’s what inspires the production.

How or where can people see your work? How can people support your work?
I am hoping to show my art pieces in more public spaces and am currently contacting various galleries that would show, but not sell my pieces. My most recent exhibit was a six week showing at the Unitarian Universalist Congregation of Phoenix on Lincoln Ave in Phoenix. I am also in the process of creating a book with images of my pieces along with their stories. If you would like to communicate with me about showing my art pieces, please contact me at: catplay2005@yahoo.com.

Contact Info:

• Email: catplay2005@yahoo.com

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