Meet Kate Gaither | Embroidery Artist

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

Hi Kate, what led you to pursuing a creative path professionally?
I have always had to find some kind of creative outlet for myself. As a child I spent hours in my sketchbooks playing with oil pastels or practicing drawing my pets, in high school this turned into hours spent in the darkroom experimenting with the different chemical processes to get different photo effects. It took me a while to figure out my creative outlet as an adult but I knew I had hit gold when I found embroidery AND people wanted to support me by ordering. Once I started doing it full time, I was happier than I was in any job I’d had before. That was enough for me.

Let’s talk shop? Tell us more about your career, what can you share with our community?
Most of my work nowadays is custom orders which I love. Getting to work one on one with my clients feels so special. I want to make sure each client gets exactly what they’re looking for, it doesn’t matter how long it takes or how many sketches get sent back and forth! I really want them to love their final piece of work. On the other hand, I have one or two personal pieces in progress at all times. These usually celebrate movies, maybe some niche references from tv shows, or queer culture/community, all things I passionately love.

Any places to eat or things to do that you can share with our readers? If they have a friend visiting town, what are some spots they could take them to?
We would definitely eat at The Bowl in Marietta at least once, they have amazing bibimbap and ramen. Even though it is a bit of a trek for us, we love checking out the goods at the Dekalb Farmers Market and finding something new to try. On a hot summer day you’ll most likely find us floating down the Chattahoochee river with friends. To end our week we’d head to My Sisters Room to see a drag show featuring amazing local queens and kings.

Shoutout is all about shouting out others who you feel deserve additional recognition and exposure. Who would you like to shoutout?
My partner has supported me every step of the way as I learn to navigate this new venture. He has encouraged me in moments of doubt or fear, he has patiently listened as I excitedly talk about a new stitch to try, he has even sat through looong days at an art market. I would not have been able to pursue this passion without him.

Instagram: @kategaither.art

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/kategaither.art