Today we’d like to introduce you to Kate Harrold.
Hi Kate, so excited to have you on the platform. So before we get into questions about your work-life, maybe you can bring our readers up to speed on your story and how you got to where you are today?
I have wanted to be an artist for as long as I can remember. I drew before I could walk, I took every art class I could, and always pursued this path.
It was in the university darkroom, that I fell in love with photography. I always thought I’d be a painter, but once I understood all the possibilities of photography and became comfortable with the camera in my hand, there was no going back. I think the way I work now, digitally, is a blend of the flexibility and creativity of composing a painting and the technicality and structure of photography.
After college, I discovered how challenging it can be to make a living without stifling some of the creativity that is so important as an artist. I worked for a printing company, I assisted and edited for more established photographers, I did product photography and photoshop editing for large retailers, and I shot a few weddings.
It wasn’t until I met my now husband, then boyfriend, Jason Brueck, that I found a way to make a living off my art alone. He had already started down the bumpy road of being a self employed working artist, and was able to teach me all these important things that they most definitely had not taught me in art school.
Alright, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
The challenge in the beginning was how to make a living without losing creativity and self identity. I really wasn’t satisfied until I was able to step away from all my “gigs” and work only for myself. Not too many people get this opportunity, to work for themselves and make art that people buy. I feel blessed in that.
Today, I find my biggest challenge is work and life balance. I have small children, and I work on my art in the time between meals, play time, soccer practice, laundry, and life. I think many Mothers can relate to the feeling that me and my needs, my art, should come last. I’m learning to set more time aside for that, especially as my kids begin to find their own independence. My busy life makes making art more challenging, but I think it also influences my art, and it makes my art more interesting. I’m learning to embrace it all 🙂
Alright, so let’s switch gears a bit and talk business. What should we know about your work?
I’m a digital artist, a surrealist, and a photographer. I photograph with the intention of creating my own reality, rather than documenting it. I find inspiration in people and places and create stories around them. My surreal yet photographic images ask the viewer to put themselves in the shoes of those pictured and look at the world through their eyes. Imagination and storytelling are the cornerstones of my work.
How do you think about luck?
I feel like I’m lucky in general, to get to work for myself and share my art with the world. But, I did work hard for this.
There have been unlucky moments, and times that were hard. The pandemic was no cake walk. But I’m still here doing my thing!
Contact Info:
- Website: https://kateharrold.com
- Instagram: @kateharroldphotography
