Meet Katherine Kesey of Los Feliz

Today we’d like to introduce you to Katherine Kesey.

Hi Katherine, please kick things off for us with an introduction to yourself and your story.
I’ve been making art for as long as I can remember. Growing up in Texas, West Virginia, and South Carolina, I was always drawing and painting, but it wasn’t until after college that I realized I wanted to fully commit to being a fine artist.

I studied Graphic Communications at Clemson University, which gave me a strong foundation in how I think about composition and visual structure. After graduating, I worked in graphic design for a bit, but I kept feeling pulled toward working in a studio and creating work for myself rather than for a client. That eventually led me to move to Los Angeles to get my MFA in Fine Art at Otis College of Art and Design.

Now, my practice is really about paying attention to everyday life and giving myself space to experiment and let things change over time as I put things on canvas or on paper. I’m drawn to ordinary, often overlooked objects and moments, and I build layered, collage-like compositions that are shaped by my design background.

Alright, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
It definitely hasn’t been a completely smooth road, but it has been a meaningful one, and I’ve learned a lot. I’ve been fortunate to have a lot of support along the way as well. One of my early regrets is choosing to major in graphic design rather than fine art. At the time, it felt like the more practical choice. But that decision ultimately helped me develop skills and perspectives that continue to shape my studio practice today, while also providing an additional skill set that can support me financially. Another challenge has been finding the subjects and approach that truly feel like my own, which has been a slow but rewarding process.

Appreciate you sharing that. What else should we know about what you do?
I am an oil painter and mixed-media artist. My work focuses on observing everyday life and bringing overlooked objects and moments into focus. I tend to work in layered, collage-like compositions, which allows me to play with space, depth, and the relationships between subjects. Things like discarded objects, glimpses of interiors, or fleeting moments in nature. I present them in a way that invites viewers to slow down and notice, while at the same time not lingering too much. In recent years I’ve become known for painting crushed beer cans, which I just love, because it’s so simple yet specific. Like a crushed beer can, I like to think of my work as intimate and a little bit unexpected, often highlighting details that people might normally pass by. I think what sets my work apart is that combination of careful observation with formal design sensibilities, and a willingness to experiment with layering and perspective.

I’m most proud of creating work that feels true to my own way of seeing the world, while still being accessible and relatable to others. Whether it’s a painting, a drawing, or even my writing, I want my work to capture moments that feel both personal and universal. I’ve been proud to build a studio practice that allows me to explore these ideas consistently while continuing to grow and evolve as an artist.

What was your favorite childhood memory?
One of my favorite childhood memories is from high school. I was in an art class, struggling to find the motivation to finish a drawing. I remember asking the teacher if I really had to blend a pencil mark because I thought that was the “right” way to do it, and to my surprise she told me I didn’t have to. She said I could leave the mark exactly as it was if that felt more interesting or honest to me. It seems like a small moment, but it really stuck with me. It was the first time I was given permission to reject a prescribed way of making something, and that I could trust my own instincts instead. That idea has stayed with me ever since.

Pricing:

• All work is individually priced on my website.
• I am accepting commissions – price is determined by project needs.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://katherinekesey.com/
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/katherinekesey/

Image Credits
Davy Kesey, Erick Cortes