The power of detached exploration

A candid glimpse into my creative process that ignites both art and soul.

It’s no secret to those who follow me on Instagram that I struggle creating small works of art. I get in to my flow state with large canvases. Large brings me joy. Large I feel free. Large I get to play unconfined and anything feels possible. One of my hopes is that collectors will find strength in my bold, large work and feel inspired to embrace what feels good for them and step in to it with all of their being.

So picture trying to fit a grand symphony into a pocket-sized radio. That’s what painting small feels like to me - restrictive, forced and too lacklustre for this big, bold, whimsical dreamer.

That said, I do often revisit the realm of petite canvases. In part to make art accessible across various price points and home settings as well as to navigate the spatial constraints of my studio. But most significantly, I want to revel in the challenges and limitations that creating small unfailingly presents.

My creative process is an embodiment of authenticity and a resonance with the soul. I don’t settle for mediocrity – if a piece doesn’t make my heart sing, if it doesn't echo the truest reflections of myself, then it's not ready to grace your walls. That’s why I have a stack of "okay" small paintings awaiting a transformative revisit. Mediocrity isn’t an option.

In today’s revisitation I learned something SO valuable it had to be shared: detachment from outcome invites excellence. Would you have guessed?!

My only desire was to explore the creative process. Working on two pieces at once, I switched between them when inspiration waned or layers needed time to dry (I’m not a patient painter).

One piece flowed effortlessly, but the other threatened multiple rendezvous with the garbage bin. It teetered on the precipice of "okay" before descending with full blown commitment in to an uninspiring and contrived mess while I simmered in frustration.

Moments like this are critical. Moments like this invite restraint to transform in to unbridled expression. This is when I adopt a wild and rebellious approach to creating. Think captive princess unleashing untamed insurgence on the evil witch who’s confined her. Before I had a chance to question my own wild demeanor, I grabbed the spray can beside me and zealously spray-scribbled all over my paper mess like a deviant who just discovered graffiti. It’s therapeutic, trust me.

And when I was done, I noticed the pattern looked a bit like a heart. Irony at it’s finest. There was an intriguing allure to the notion of infusing this loathed painting with love. So I leaned in and dare I say turned that once ugly duckling into a swan that resonated with my heart and became worthy of hanging on my walls.

The process of striving for a higher standard is a testament to the boundless possibilities that unfold when we commit to surpassing the acceptable and embracing our desires with unwavering determination.

We are the makers of our desires and big dreams can unfurl even on small canvases.

Wishing you a canvas of endless possibilities,

Kate

P.S. Even the most determined person has their moments of wanting to toss in the towel and cut their losses. These paintings are a reminder for you to dig a little deeper, hold on a little lighter and stay a little longer. Trust you’ll find your way.