Today we’d like to introduce you to Kathie Scrimgeour.
Hi Kathie, thanks for joining us today. We’d love for you to start by introducing yourself.
I grew up in the suburbs of Chicago, where art became my refuge from an early age. Throughout my school years, I eagerly embraced every opportunity for creative expression, filling my time with drawing, painting, and endless doodling. At 18, I began a lifelong journey of exploration across the United States. Having moved frequently as a child, I developed a sense of wanderlust that carried me from Florida to California and eventually to Colorado. There, I met my husband, earned a bachelor’s degree in Fine Art Photography, and raised two children. My creative spirit continued into my professional life in the photography industry, where I owned my own studio, Kandid Kids, photographing children and adults.
When the digital age transformed the photography industry, I faced a choice: invest in new digital equipment or find a new creative direction. With my children entering school, I filled my time volunteering in the art classroom and in other areas of the school.
One day, over coffee with friends at a local beadery shop, I discovered my next creative outlet. Beading quickly became an obsession. I began designing jewelry for friends and family, eventually selling my work in local stores and writing about my designs for nationally published magazines. Unfortunately, after 5 years of beading the costs outweighed the earnings.
My life was turned upside down when breast cancer came calling in 2014. Everything changed. My desire to design jewelry disappeared along with my health. As I traveled through chemotherapy, radiation, and surgery, I found that the only artistic outlet I could manage was coloring. In a sense, it saved my artistic self. I filled adult coloring books as quickly as I could buy them. Eventually, I emerged from treatment and have been cancer-free since 2015.
Next, in my long list of creative expression came writing. My daughter, who is a fabulous writer, inspired me to consider writing a book. How hard could it be? HA! In seven years I started 4 novels, reached “The End” in only one. During that time, outside of writing the novels, I learned the ins and outs of the publishing industry, met a fabulous group of people, and served on the board of Pikes Peak Writers. Even though that creative outlet did not become a huge financial success, I wouldn’t trade the experience in. I gained confidence in my word smithing, in myself, and in my future.
After living in Colorado for much of my adult life, my husband and I found ourselves ready to discover somewhere new, eventually landing in Tucson, Arizona. The move nudged me to rediscover my love of art. I explored graphite, colored pencil, pen & ink, and watercolor before discovering gel monotype printing. That medium immediately captured my imagination, and it is, for now, where my artistic heart has settled.
Today, I spend my days creating, and also teaching gel printing. I love the looks on students’ faces when they pull an image off the gel plate. It is pure creative magic.
Would you say it’s been a smooth road, and if not what are some of the biggest challenges you’ve faced along the way?
The year I spent fighting breast cancer was the biggest challenge of my life, but art (coloring books mostly), my family, and walking (even if it was across the living room) saved my sanity and helped on the road to recovery. Daily walks were the most important, not only for my physical wellbeing, also mentally. There were so many days I wanted to just curl up into a ball and hope it would all go away. Keeping myself moving physically chased those feeling away and creativity kept depression and exaustion from draining my spirit.
Another obstacle I have faced through all of my creative career has been “imposter syndrome”. I question myself wondering, “Am I good enough?” This goes around and around in my mind. When this happens I take a step back by doing things unrelated (gardening or reading) then I go back and look at it with a more clear attitude.
Can you tell our readers more about what you do and what you think sets you apart from others?
I am a Gel Monotype printer. When I say this, people always look at me and ask, “What is that?” Simply put it is creating one of a kind prints using a silicone plate. I mostly work with acrylic paint which is layered onto the plate to create finished paintings that can be abstract, realistic, or ethereal (or all three).
This is a relatively new art form, but it is picking up in popularity. Because it is still new, it is also not an artform that is widely used to create finished works. Many artists who are gel printers tend to make painted papers they use in collage work. Conversely, I use the plate to create a finished art piece on the plate which is transferred to paper, which is my chosen substrate.
I also teach gel printing at the gallery where my work is (SAAG Gallery) and in other classrooms around the Tucson area.
Are there any important lessons you’ve learned that you can share with us?
My artistic journey has been long, and broad. One of the most important lessons I’ve learned is to believe in myself and my work. Not everyone is going to love what I create and that is all right. My work is from the heart and I create what flows from there. If someone does love my work that is what I would call a crowning touch.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://kjscrim.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/kathiescrim/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/scrimgeourfineart
