Today we’d like to introduce you to Kate Shore.
Alright, so thank you so much for sharing your story and insight with our readers. To kick things off, can you tell us a bit about how you got started?
I’ve always been involved in art in different ways. I have a background in painting scenery and props for theatre productions and theme parks. I love going to the theme parks here in Orlando and getting to see things that I worked on!
After having my son in 2018, I was really feeling the need to do something creative, something for myself. I began painting with no goal other than to get back into the studio and get something on the canvas. Over time, that grew into the abstract paintings I create today.
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?
There are of course struggles, many of them internal, like overthinking, comparison, self-doubt… all of those fun things that come with being a human. And there are also the more logistical challenges that come from being a parent, having a part-time job, and being and work-from-home business owner.
However, the flexibility and creativity in my life today is well worth working through those challenges.
Appreciate you sharing that. What else should we know about what you do?
I create abstract paintings inspired by the coast – my goal is to bring in that calming feeling that comes from sitting by the ocean. When you see one of my paintings on your wall, I want it to feel like a breath of fresh air. Calm, welcoming, expansive, and refreshing.
I want people to have the feeling of a modern beach house. One that brings in the colors and textures of the sea (without the tacky signs covered in quotes and flip flops.)
I’m obviously inspired by the water, but I also find a lot of inspiration from other natural elements, like the textures and colors of shells, and the patterns left by waves on the beach. I’m also drawn textured surfaces that have been weathered and worn, like old wooden walls that have multiple layers of different colored paint showing through.
I start my paintings with layers of texture to create lots of peaks, crevices, nooks and crannies for the paint to settle into. There’s a lot of waiting (literally watching paint dry) and so. many. layers. While I do start a painting with a general idea, it rarely turns out exactly how I see it in my head. I’ve learned to go with the flow and let the paint do its thing. I let the painting become what it wants to – that’s where the magic happens.
My work ranges in size, but I LOVE going big when I can. It brings me back to those roots of painting theatre backdrops and theme park murals, and I use a lot of the same techniques that I did in those fields.
As for what I’m most proud of, I’m proud of myself for just going for it. That annoying self-comparison bug still pops up from time to time, but I’ve continued to paint in my own style, doing what comes naturally to me, and not trying to be like anyone else.
In terms of your work and the industry, what are some of the changes you are expecting to see over the next five to ten years?
While art may or may not be a fundamental “need”, I’ve been seeing more people investing in art and other items that truly speak to them, and I hope that only continues to grow. People are increasingly aware of the impact of their purchases and are being more intentional with their spending, so they are seeking out items that are made to last, that transform their space, and that mean something to them.
Pricing:
- Original paintings and custom work vary in pricing by size, and can be seen on my website.
- Fine art prints (reproductions of original paintings) are available in a variety of sizes on both paper and canvas, with framing options available as well.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://kateshoreart.com/
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/kate.shore.art/
Image Credits
Anchor & Odyssey Photography
