Meet Kate Lewis: Artist

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

Hi Kate, what’s the most important thing you’ve done for your children?
Setting up my studio in our home so they can watch me create and grow my business daily is one of the most important things. When they were little, their playroom and my studio were in one space. So, they would be just a few feet away playing or sleeping in a bouncer, as I painted. They have seen me follow my passion for creating art and bringing it to others from day one. I hope this shows them that it’s okay for them to develop their paths in life.

Let’s talk shop? Tell us more about your career, what can you share with our community?
My life as an artist started at an early age. Visual art has always been a natural way for me to express myself. I studied visual art in undergrad then museum education in graduate school. I taught visitors at The Art Institute of Chicago about that extraordinary collection for many years but always felt the call to create my work. It was a leap to leave the museum and to set out to be a visual artist. At the time, there were no social media platforms to help get my work noticed. There have been many, many quiet years professionally along the way. However, those dormant years of little income from painting allowed for time to develop my artistic voice. I know that the closer I get to creating paintings and books true to my colorful, optimistic, yet peaceful aesthetic, I find success. My work is about embracing creativity in every aspect of life. My biggest project to date has been illustrating the book Artists in Residence: Seventeen Artists and Their Living Spaces, from Giverny to Casa Azul, written by Melissa Wyse. That project had me dive deep into the homes and lives of well-known artists to illustrate their homes. Being immersed in their homes and lives has enriched my own home and approach to living a creative life.

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.
Well, this is a tricky question to answer because I just moved to Franklin, TN, after living in Chicago for 20 years. Given that we’re in the middle of a pandemic, I haven’t ventured out much!

I can tell you where I would go in Chicago- definitely The Art Institute of Chicago, then walk through Millenium Park. We would get a picnic lunch from Left Coast, then find a spot along the lakefront between Belmont Harbor and Diversey to eat, hang out and watch the lake. Before leaving the city, we would have to pop in my favorite store, Jayson Home, to soak in lots of inspiration.

Shoutout is all about shouting out others who you feel deserve additional recognition and exposure. Who would you like to shoutout?
So many people deserve a shoutout for their support along the way. However, the one person who stands out the most right now is my husband, Ed Lewis. Throughout our 18 years of marriage, he continues to be my biggest champion. He relentlessly encourages me to seek inspiration and go back to the easel when I am stuck, which is always what I need to hear!

Website: www.katelewisart.com

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/katelewisart/

Image Credits
Simply by Suzy