Q: What do you think of your image being used as the creative for Manchester Art Fair 2024?
A: I am thrilled that my image is being used as the creative for Manchester Art Fair 2024! It’s such an honour to be part of such a big event. I’m very grateful for this opportunity and excited to see how it all comes together. I was surprised that this particular image was chosen, but it’s been receiving a lot of attention lately, and I’m glad that everyone sees something different in it.
Kate is being represented by Dalloz Contemporary on stand 502. They will have lots of Kate’s work on display. You can purchase this lead image in two different sizes or any of her other work during the fair. Click here for details
Q: How did you get started being an artist?
A: I’ve wanted to be an artist for as long as I can remember, starting from the age of 2. Throughout my childhood and teenage years, I was always drawing and painting, fully immersed in creative expression. For reasons I can’t quite explain, I stepped away from painting after I turned 18. But even during that time, art remained an integral part of my life. It was during the pandemic that I rediscovered my passion for paints and canvases, which gave me the perfect opportunity to pursue what I had always deeply wanted. I created my first five pieces, which sold immediately, and that’s when my art career truly began. That moment gave me the motivation to keep pushing forward, even through moments of doubt or quieter times.
Q: What inspired your most recent painting?
A: My most recent series was created for my solo show, where I focused on the theme of self-discovery. This past year, I feel I’ve truly rediscovered myself, gaining a much deeper understanding of who I am, what I want, and what I truly enjoy. It’s a proud moment for me because, for a long time, I felt a sense of imbalance in my life, and this series reflects the journey toward regaining that balance.
Q: Who is your biggest influence?
A: I find inspiration in all sorts of places. When I see something beautiful, it sparks a creative urge in me to make something just as captivating. If I hear about someone’s success or resilience, it motivates me to keep going and stay focused on my own path. But influence, for me, is more about those lasting, transformative moments or people that leave a mark on how I create and view the world. It’s hard to name one specific person or thing that’s been a major influence, but I think my biggest influences come from life experiences—times of growth, challenge, and change. Those moments of personal transformation affect my work deeply and shape the evolution of my art. So while I find inspiration all around me, my true influences are the experiences and lessons that have shaped who I am as an artist.
Q: How would you describe your art to someone who has never seen it?
A: My art can be described as bold, expressive, and deeply personal. It features vibrant portraits that captivate with intense, soulful eyes and a bright palette. I explore themes of the natural beauty of the female form, celebrating curves and elegance. By incorporating colour blocking, I create unexpected combinations of bold colours that add depth and energy to each piece. This playful approach enhances the emotional resonance of my work, inviting viewers to engage with the beauty and strength of femininity in a fresh and dynamic way.
Q:What’s next for you? Any upcoming projects or exhibitions?
A: I definitely have a few more art fairs lined up, and I’m currently discussing a solo show for 2025. I’ll share more details once everything is confirmed. I expect to have more shows in the spring, as I had a very busy summer and autumn. For a long time, I’ve wanted to experiment with different mediums, especially textiles. Since I use colour blocking, it would be a perfect way to incorporate textiles into my portraits, adding unique textures and depth to the pieces.