Meet Katie Beth Israel | Artist, Mother, Daughter, Sister and Aunt

We had the good fortune of connecting with Katie Beth Israel and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Katie Beth, how has your background shaped the person you are today?
I am from the heart of Georgia… Macon, to be exact. I grew up in a family that was always in the political spotlight. Anyone that knows my mother will tell you that she has a beautiful home. She just knows what works together. However, most people don’t know that my father is an incredible artist. He inspired me and my brother when we were very young. He would haul his paints and easel with us to the beach in the summer. I loved watching the canvas transform and change. I decided as a very little girl that I wanted to capture beautiful moments and tell my stories through paint.

Alright, so let’s move onto what keeps you busy professionally?
I’ve always loved children, so, following my tenure at Lamar Dodd School of Art at University of Georgia I came back to Macon, enrolled my daughter in preschool and nannied for a wonderful family. That allowed me to remain hands-on with daughter and make ends meet. I missed being an artist and found myself sketching the children playing together. I guess that’s when I had that “A-HA!” moment – I needed to be painting children! I took some close-up photographs of the children and blew them up larger than life to paint them on watercolor paper.

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.
I would take you to breakfast at J. Christopher’s. They have wonderful Eggs Benedict and cheese grits. We could stop by and visit with my family. My mother would love to catch up and hear all about what’s going on in your life. We could head downtown to grab a plate of Mama Louise’s soul food at H & H restaurant. She toured with Allman Brothers way back when. They needed home cooking when they were on the road. I have a secret place that no one really knows about. It’s creepy and beautiful at the same time. Its an old home that has fallen into disrepair, but everything is in place as it was back in the 60’s or 70’s. Obviously a family was interrupted during dinner and hasn’t been touched since. Dinner is on their plates, but it’s long since rotted and carried off by mice. I don’t know why, but it’s fascinating and sinister to me.

Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
My father, George Israel, ignited the fire in my soul for painting. My mother, Pamela Israel, recognized my burgeoning talent and found Ernestine Stofko-Dixon to teach me. Ernie was and remains my mentor. My daughter, Greta O’Hara, who has inspired me since she waltzed into my life. I saw everything in a different light when I became a mother.

Other: katiebeth242@gmail.com