The Art of Overcoming Fear, With Artist Katy Holton
Have you ever been frozen with fear? Felt like the stakes were too high? That there were too many obstacles in your path? Too many dragons to slay? That you’re stuck on the wrong side of a ravine, yet everything you’ve ever wanted was just on the other side? So has Katy Holton, a Houston-based artist from Austin’s design studio DesignGood. Katy took on our Blank Slate chalk wall this week to encourage the Flock to overcome fear through a dazzlingly bright explosion of colors.
Describe your style as an artist.
Whimsical and fun, with a hint of femininity.
Can you tell us a little bit about the work you created for The Black Sheep Agency office? Where did you get the idea, and what do you want viewers to learn from it?
I wanted the artwork to focus on a phrase that was appropriate for a new year, but also applicable at any time. While gathering quotes and inspiration, this one stood out to me because it’s so direct and I can relate to it personally. Everyone experiences fear, and we experience it in many different ways, letting it drive what we choose to do or choose not to do. The colors, shapes, and figures in the chalk – and even the way I wrote “Fear” – are meant to be encouraging and transform the idea of fear into something we can channel or overcome so we can achieve the things we want.
What inspires you?
Witnessing a friend’s growth in their artistic endeavors, and watching them get really good over time while putting out their work along the way (even in the early days when it wasn’t so great)…that is inspiring to me. It’s definitely encouraging and makes me want to share my own work too!
If you could be any artistic tool — pencil, crayons, oil pastels, computer, etc. — which one would you be?
A Pentel sign pen.
What is the first thing you do when you get up in the morning?
A morning stretch while listening to NPR.
What is the first thing you do when you begin a new art project?
I’ll put a playlist together that I feel will match my “work mode” for that particular project. I have enough at this point so that I don’t create a new one every time, but the right kind of music definitely impacts my workflow. Sometimes it’s a podcast!
Artists are notoriously weird. Prove it. (Or argue it.)
Haha I have to agree that we’re pretty weird. Creative minds tend to be naturally good at weirdness. Ok, quick story:
When I was in art school, a group of my friends and I wanted to put together a navigational installation made of wood, wires, string, sheets, and colorful lighting. We were all graphic designers, painters, illustrators. None of us had any legit experience with architecture or building things, but we went for it. It actually turned out pretty cool (and weird), and on opening night we had a table full of cake at the end. LOTS of cake.
Has anyone ever said to you, “I don’t get it?” If so, how do you respond to that?
I barely remember a specific time someone asked me, but I’m pretty sure I replied with “do you need to get it to appreciate it?”
Fill in the blank. “I would die without ________.”
Natural light! And my church.
What advice do you have to other creatives?
Show your work! Whether it’s Instagram, a blog, etc…don’t be afraid to put it out there. And be intentional with your creative growth.
Where can people see more of your work?
KatyHolton.com and sometimes on Instagram:@katyh629