We had the good fortune of connecting with Kate Windley and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Kate, what role has risk played in your life or career?
I always follow the idea that whatever you are most afraid of, you should do with art making. I try to follow the path of selecting personal projects that might be a little uncomfortable, underexplored, or going against the standards. This idea has helped to take my work away from using one medium, one theme, and one regular way of creating art.

Alright, so let’s move onto what keeps you busy professionally?
I have never approached art as a modulated experience. The idea of branding seems to be perpetuated by Social Media Systems and the need to have an audience. For me, the acceptance of having no control over the reception of the work of art, the projected response, or the need for an audience are liberating. Though it is exciting when the artwork reaches a viewer, in general, I have taken the approach to expect nothing in return and keep going anyway. This approach allows me to continue following my ideas without feeling overwhelmed by the vast and expansive systems in place of judging, rating, and evaluating art. It is an armor against stopping.

Let’s say your best friend was visiting the area and you wanted to show them the best time ever. Where would you take them? Give us a little itinerary – say it was a week long trip, where would you eat, drink, visit, hang out, etc.
Honestly, I rarely visit anywhere due to the fact that I am a parent of a special needs child. I have been in this pandemic “bubble” for most of nine years. However, if I could go visit a local place, I would find a local food distribution center to volunteer with for the afternoon.

The Shoutout series is all about recognizing that our success and where we are in life is at least somewhat thanks to the efforts, support, mentorship, love and encouragement of others. So is there someone that you want to dedicate your shoutout to?
The book, The Firebrand and the First Lady, by Patricia Bell-Scott taught me the importance of writing letters and keeping up with other artists. It is about the friendship between Pauli Murray and Eleanor Roosevelt.

Website: www.katewindley.com
Instagram: kate_windley

Nominate Someone: ShoutoutAtlana is built on recommendations and shoutouts from the community; it’s how we uncover hidden gems, so if you or someone you know deserves recognition please let us know here.