“I am a visual storyteller, continually moved and inspired by the magic of nature and the human spirit.”
I grew up in a sleepy, midwest town where being outdoors was the way of life for every kid. Entertainment included catching fireflies at dusk, scampering up trees (that granted both views and bloodied knees), and playing outside until the horizon gulped the last morsel of light. As a teen, a particular horse stole my heart and never gave it back. We became one spirit, forging rocky streams, sailing on endless oceans of wildflowers, and sharing the moon together in silence. This early bond with nature continues to be a powerful influence in my work.
ARTIST STATEMENT: My images are visual dream stories, laced with symbols and emotion that take the viewer to distant lands of the imagination. Sometimes described as 'Magical Realism', my paintings first draw the viewer in with realistic detail and dramatic light, then unexpectedly tickles their subconscious with an illusory world of the unexpected.
Growing up in the country injected a deep curiosity and love for nature. Nature and the female figure are central to my work. These powerful characters have unlimited possibilities for symbology, spirituality, strength, and beauty. I think of my paintings as 'songs with no words', a term derived from Native American chanting or telling stories without words. The viewer interprets my paintings based on their own life experiences, which can sometimes evoke tears, laughter, joy, or inner peace. While I do not create art with this intention, making this deep and private connection with the viewer is my greatest reward.
In addition to my works on canvas, I have recently developed a digital series that presents a lighter palette and explores fresh interpretations of nature in relation to the human spirit. These harmonic assemblages also tell stories and include selected elements of my own traditionally painted artwork, in combination with vintage imagery, photos, and custom flat graphics. The female figure, an integral component of all my work, symbolizes the origins of humanity, the deep connection to ourselves, and the eternal connection we have with Mother Earth.
ABOUT: Kathleen's work has been exhibited in dozens of solo and group gallery exhibitions nationally and internationally, from Santa Fe to South Korea. Her work is in private as well as public, government, and corporate collections, and has been recognized and awarded by numerous organizations such as American Women Artists, The National Museum of Women in the Arts, The Albuquerque Museum, The Santa Fe Symphony Orchestra, Alliance for the Arts, BIG Arts and featured in publications, such as ARTNews, Artist's Magazine, American Art Collector Magazine, Southwest Art Magazine, 100 Artist Studios of the Southwest, Art Horse Magazine, Create!, and Art Seen Magazine, to name a few. She published her first book, Inhabiting Bliss, in 2021. After 2 decades in New Mexico, Kathleen relocated her home and studio to SW Florida where she has found new inspiration for her work in a world of water, giant birds, thunderstorms, reptiles, and the magic and mystery of sea life. View a detailed exhibition history & recognitions below.
DESIGN & ILLUSTRATION: I have also been blessed to work with a wonderful variety of graphic design and illustration clients, ranging from regional companies and non-profit organizations to national publishers and Fortune 500s, such as: The Library of Congress, The National Museum of American History, National Geographic, Stanford University, New Mexico Humanities Council, University of New Mexico School of Engineering, University of New Mexico Comprehensive Cancer Center, Sedona Public Library, Sandia National Laboratories, Sandia Preparatory School, The Albuquerque Academy, National Association for U.S. Dairy, Mountain States Insurance Group, Hub International, First National Bank, Contract Associates, The US Army Corps of Engineers, Frito Lay/Pepsico, The Southland Corporation, Nieman-Marcus, Brinker International, The Horchow Collection, Dillard's Department Stores, Mary Kay Cosmetics, Applebee's, The Wall Street Journal, American Airlines, IBM, D Magazine, Texas Monthly, Scholastic Books, MacMillan Press.
To view my graphic design portfolio and capabilities, please visit: http://kinkopfdesign.com