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I am an artist: Kat Templeton, Oregon

1. Why are you an artist?

I am an artist because I am a creator. I chose painting as my method of expression because it magnified my creator spirit to its fullest. Everyone comes onto this earth bearing the same potential and capacity to give life to art in all forms. Everyone can affect all aspects of life with their ever growing perspective of the universe through art. Yet somehow, we become divided and sub-categorized into social types, cultural types, political etc. Due to environmental conditioning, humanity is divided in a unique way. There are creators and lost creators. Creators are people who lead others through their art forms into personal awakening, positive inspiration, and a profound awareness of the world around them. Lost creators are the individuals who have disconnected from their true potential or were never aware that they were lost to begin with. These individuals apply their creator spirit as just a secondary trade, or skill. Unaware that such greatness exists within them, most lost creators are aspiring towards one sided wealth in their lives as opposed to encompassing all, mind, body, health, and, spirit. To be an artist is to be a creator. To be a creator is to take responsibility for oneself. To share to the universe the light of your being, and to inspire others to make a legacy of their lives through the life experiences expressed from art in all forms.

2. Is there a concept behind your work? If so, please tell.

My concepts are always changing because I am always growing and changing as well. My work has one consistent concept, and that is where my inspiration lies. I obtain imagery from a mix of meditation and external environmental influences and sounds. The ritualistic act of my inspiration is like intensely dreaming and then awakening abruptly. As I sit up, there are still bits and pieces of vivid dialogue or imagery cascading to the back of my mind. Those small pieces that I remember greatly influence what I will create next.

3. Why do you use the medium that use?

I use acrylics to paint with because it dries so quickly. I paint with a lot of layers to build up a textural affect and mix colors so I need the fast dry time.

4. Who are your artistic influences?

My influences are H.R. Giger, Frida, Steven Hughes, Holst, Escala, and Ahn Trio.

5. What role does the feminine play in your work?

The role that femininity plays in my work is not only the divine mystery of being a woman and mother; it is the dynamic shape of the female figure that really makes my compositions work. The soft lines and curvature of the female construction to me, is the symbolic reference for the surviving existence of human life. Birth, Life, Death and the maternal connection.

6. What is the role of the artist in society and in Oregon?

The role of the artist in society and in Oregon is a vital. The artist is a leader of free thinking, fearless expression, and a communicator of the integrity of the human spirit. As creators, it is the responsibility of the artist to reveal truths without fear and to express through art, the world that is really happening around us. Artists are to inspire those who don’t believe or lack the belief in the wealth of living expressively and with out fear. Artists choose to be creators because it pains them not to be connected to their source of expression. My role as an artist /creator is to reconnect those who have been disconnected from truly feeling the greatness and vitality of a human spirit that just won’t quit living.

7. Where do you see yourself in 5 years?

I see myself doing some great things in the next five years. I see myself becoming a greater human being than I am today. I can’t wait to see what happens!

8. What are your ultimate goals as an artist?

My ultimate goal as an artist is to keep creating regardless of monetary gain, public value, or anything else that may disconnect me from being a creator. To live in abundance when there is opposition, to never let the truths of my spirit go to waste and to be a strong influence of positivity and strength to those around me through my art.

9. What does art mean to you?

Art means L.I.F.E.: Love, Infinite, Forever, and Eternal.

 

One Comment

  • Anonymous

    Kat is possibly one of the strongest modern contemporary painters on the West Coast, and perhaps the whole country.

    Her strong design sense, and methodology all play an integral part of what you experience when you view her works. There is quite nothing like it.

    What’s even more amazing is that she is very much harkening back to the days of Dega, Matisse, and Van Gogh yet updating and tranmutating them to fit in our 21st Century language.

    Kat’s art will be talked about for many years to come.

    Y’all need to watch out!