Meet Kathleen Mapson: Visual Artist

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

Hi Kathleen, why did you decide to pursue a creative path?
Art is an expression, an extension of who I am. Everything I approach is with a creative lens. I have always loved to design and make things. I have been drawing since at least the 3rd grade. And for years I was a musician, not professionally, but I did learn to play five instruments. Creativity has been, and is at the core of who I am. So I had to pursue a creative career.

Let’s talk shop? Tell us more about your career, what can you share with our community?
When it comes to me as an artist, I am led by color, texture, and composition. Of course the art is beautiful to look at because of the array of colors I use, but I want you to be able to feel it too. When you run your hands across my art, you can feel its peaks and valleys. I believe that texture introduces another level of interest to your senses, and that’s kind of where my sweet spot is.

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?
I would definitely take my best friend to Krog Street Tunnel or on the Heart & Soul Architecture tour. The vibrance of the street art, the murals, and the sculptures are life giving. Those are the things I love most about the city.

For a fun night of laughing until you cry, I would for sure plan an evening out at the Atlanta Comedy Club. Some of the funniest comedians out there have come to that spot, and it is always a good time.

The Atlanta Botanical Garden is beautiful. I would definitely want to spend some time there for a lovely afternoon or evening stroll.

Outside of the city, one of my favorite places to eat is a spot called Taqueria Tsunami in Marietta Square. The restaurant is cute and cozy, and the front windows face the main street right across from the park in the center of the Square. At night it has such a cool vibe and the cauliflower tacos melt in your mouth.

Shoutout is all about shouting out others who you feel deserve additional recognition and exposure. Who would you like to shoutout?
There are so many people that support me on this journey. I wouldn’t be where I am and who I am without them. My husband Otis motivates me daily to keep going and not give up. Watching him and his business partners grow their business has helped me strategize my own.

Both my Mom and Dad (RIH) were entrepreneurs, running successful businesses for years. They nurtured my creativity and encouraged me to pursue anything I wanted to. I wouldn’t be here without them.

My sister Tameka is also a creative – a makeup artist – facesbyt.michelle on IG. Check her out! =) She is my biggest cheerleader and the only one that leaves a comment on every single IG post I make. LOL! I love her for it.

And they say iron sharpens iron. Two of my closest friends J Darius Greene and Nayo Harvin have had a front seat to my struggles, my growth, and my successes. They both own their own businesses too. So we constantly swap stories about what we are going through.

There are so many whose stories have resonated with me, have given me words of encouragement, and have financially supported me by purchasing my art. I am beyond grateful for them.

Website: kathleenmapson.com

Instagram: kathleenmapson

Facebook: kathleenmapsonandcompany