Introducing…Blank Slate: A Monthly Post Highlighting Local Artists
Some people look at a wall and just walk by without so much as a glance. Others look at a wall and see endless possibility, a chance for unhinged creativity and the chance to create art in an unexpected place.
The world could use more of that second group, so we’re starting a new initiative entitled Blank Slate, inspired by the blank chalkboard wall in our office. Every month, a different artist will take a drab, blank wall and tell a story or share a message — basically, make it a work of art. And every month, we’ll share it with you through video and social media.
We want to show off Houston’s incredible (and often under-rated) artists. There are folks out there creating innovating art projects in unexpected places, and we want to showcase it. We hope it not only introduces you to something new, but that it inspires you to create too.
The artist we choose to introduce this series with is Katharine Kearns, better known as Katsola. Katsola is a co-founder of Sketchy Neighbors, a group of artists who challenge themselves and each other with off-the-wall art projects. You might also recognize some of her freelance design with Jenni’s Noodle House, Mellow Mushroom, Ray Phillips, Avis Frank Gallery, Wendy Niziol, Michael Arcieri, One Bite Kitchen and Fresh Foods Catering.
Take it away, Kat!
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?
Since I had never worked in the chalk medium, other than a scribble or two, I tried to be loose with my concept in order to adapt as needed. I knew I wanted to create an illustration of my favorite subject of a girl with an animal muse. In this case there are three muses; a blue winged baby skunk, a heart shaped leopard printed, goggle and sailor hat wearing moray eel named Alapai and my pup Maya, who passed away this year as a little angel by my name, Katsola. I also wanted to bring in the happiness and fearlessness of childhood joy and experimentation by having the girl wear a mismatched, multi-patterned outfit, face paint and fun rain boots. I feel like I have never lost that child connection within myself and I still have the need to express it in my work.
What inspires you?
Animals, beauty, pattern, nature and relationships.
If you could be any artistic tool — pencil, crayons, oil pastels, computer, etc. —which one would you be?
Pencil, I always start with a pencil. You can make soft and bold marks, create variable shades and erase and start over, or show your marks and process.
What is your most favorite thing you’ve created?
Seven giant sports trading card paintings for Mellow Mushroom in Spring, Texas.
What is the first thing you do when you get up in the morning?
Draw.
What is the first thing you do when you begin a new art project?
Sketch and research.
Artists are notoriously weird. Prove it. (Or argue it.)
Artists have the ability to think, see and feel beyond the normal spectrum or dimension. I think in that sense artists are weird because they see what others don’t and are able to create something original from those observations.
Has anyone ever said to you, “I don’t get it?” If so, how do you respond to that?
People usually ask what the story behind my work is because I think they see familiar objects, symbols or creatures but don’t always know the relationship between everything. Sometimes I tell the story, sometimes I don’t.
Fill in the blank. “I would die without ______.”
Creativity and inspiration.
What advice do you have to other creatives?
Be honest, work really hard and be generous. Experiment and take chances even if you are scared to fail or won’t measure up. You have to keep moving forward.
Where can people see more of your work?
Mellow Mushroom in Spring, The Sparrow & the Nest, Winter Street Studio A-1 and katsola.com.