Today we’d like to introduce you to Kait Walsh.
Hi Kait, so excited to have you with us today. What can you tell us about your story?
From doodles in my diaries and living room dance productions with my sister to the Christmas garland on my porch this year, I have always been making things. For almost a decade I channeled my creativity into days spent with the kindergarteners I taught. There, I fell in love with messes and children’s books. When I left teaching to pursue art full-time, I knew I would always keep that same playful energy and kid-at-heart mentality in whatever I did. Since then, my art has continued to take many forms. Forms such as two self-published children’s books, a podcast mini-series, murals, adult and children’s art classes, solo and group shows, and as we speak, larger-than-me paintings inspired by Mary Cassatt.
Can you talk to us a bit about the challenges and lessons you’ve learned along the way. Looking back would you say it’s been easy or smooth in retrospect?
Life as a freelance artist is never smooth and always changing. At any given moment, I am simultaneously invigorated and overwhelmed by a to-do list, especially when thinking of the one involved with a project such as self-publishing a book. I am definitely built for it and find it extremely exciting, but it can so often lead to a loss of momentum or hundreds of half-finished ideas. It’s hard to prioritize my time and energy as a person and a mom, let alone as an artist. It’s also very easy to procrastinate when you have only yourself to check in with.
Thanks for sharing that. So, maybe next you can tell us a bit more about your work?
Drawing and painting are my first and always loves. I like to do them on just about anything… thrifted canvases, walls, furniture, clothing, you name it. I am also not one for minimalism so the previously mentioned walls, furniture, and clothing are most likely covered in my vibrant color palette color and mismatched patterns. And if I am able to tone it down a bit, well there is always still a dash of whimsy. I have the most fun working in collaboration. And although I am always excited to put my finishing touches on a project, I am most proud when the work feels unique to the specific person or business. I think that is the part I am especially good at. My art is definitely not all about me. My work is most at home in the space between me and the collaborator or me and the viewer.
What has been the most important lesson you’ve learned along your journey?
Do not be afraid to paint over the entire piece if something isn’t working. Send what I call “shameless” emails no matter how lofty the idea or big time the recipient. Save all your shameless emails.
And pink makes all the other colors look better.
Contact Info:
- Website: www.sealedwithakait.com
- Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC2MeZvddyn_FfRuo5NfW8Vw
- Other: https://open.spotify.com/show/75oyhkrEqkccfFoPWzAkLn
