Today we’d like to introduce you to Katharine Miele.
Katharine, can you briefly walk us through your story – how you started and how you got to where you are today.
As a child, I always liked art. However, I never thought I would be an artist when I grew up. Around the time of my high school graduation, I wanted to learn architectural design (before “architect” on my life’s “ambition timeline” was “astronomer.”). So, instead of scientist school, I went to Southern Polytechnic State University for Architecture school. I was two years into my studies when I realized that this wasn’t the right path for me. I wanted to draw. I realized I was good at drawing. What I really liked to draw was rust: rust on things, rust on buildings, etc. There was a counselor at this college who told me “the things we are good at, we think everyone is good at because they come easily to us. But in reality, other people are not at good. ” or something along those lines. I transferred to art School. After three years at Georgia State University, I graduated with a Bachelor of Fine Arts degree in Drawing, Painting and Printmaking in Dec 2016. I never knew I wanted to be an artist, art sort of found me. Now, I can’t imagine doing anything else with my life than working on my art every day.
Has it been a smooth road?
Things have really fallen into place since I began my trek on the art school/artist career path. Georgia State really nurtured me and held my hand through a lot of the development process. They taught us how to hone our ideas and our artistic style. Can any artist really say there haven’t been struggles in their life? I’m so early in my career that I haven’t had to encounter very many. Most recently, I applied for the Creative Projects Artist in Residency Program. I made it to the final 13 to interview but was not offered a spot at the Goat Farm. That being said, I have plans for a Residency in May at the Vermont Studio Center partially funded by a merit grant. However, I have applied for about 8 other juried exhibitions this year that I haven’t been invited to. Some people really like your work and other people… just don’t understand it. The trick is getting your portfolio in front of as many people as possible. For every 10 “no’s” you will hopefully get one “yes.” My Greatest challenge right now is finding a balance with all aspects of my life: fitness, friends, family, finance and my art. Being an adult means that sometimes work has to take precedence over art… that will remain until the day that art becomes my only job.
We’d love to hear more about your business.
Most recently, I taught myself to embroider and now combine the fiber work with my oil painting practice. I still make work in the same style with the same concepts, but I keep hearing from my audience that they have never seen this type of mixed media before. I am proud to say that all of my subjects and concepts are Atlanta based. They are things we come across in our daily lives or a little out of our way. But it is all accessible to us, ATLiens, and it makes my work more real and even nostalgic. What sets me apart is my YouTube channel. This is not a self-promo, because I haven’t posted a video in a week. But, I desire to show my audience as much of my process as possible and offer them tips and tricks to better themselves so they will appreciate my practice enough that they may want to purchase some of my work.
Is our city a good place to do what you do?
I highly recommend Atlanta for anyone wishing to start out making art as a business. Because the city is to spread out, It is hard to believe, but the Atlanta “art scene” and “art community” are very small. It is easy to make connections here. The more events you attend, the more you notice that you are seeing the same people at them. In addition, there are tons of exhibitions for “emerging” artists and people in the early stages of their career. Fulton county offers millions of dollars every year in art grants. Burnaway.com is a really great site to follow for info about art opportunities. I don’t think it’s necessarily what the city can do to improve because the art scene is very contemporary and lush, I just think it’s the patrons who need to catch up with us!
Pricing:
- 10″ x 20″ Embroidery only – $300
- 12″ x 24″ Embroidery and Oil Painting combo – $500
Contact Info:
- Address: 749 Flat Shoals Avenue SE
#1 Studio/Shed
Atlanta, GA 30316 - Website: Kathrancisco.com
- Phone: 678-773-0776
- Email: katsmiele@gmail.com
- Instagram: instagram.com/kathrancisco
- Other: Youtube.com/KatharineMiele
Getting in touch: VoyageATL is built on recommendations from the community; it’s how we uncover hidden gems, so if you know someone who deserves recognition please let us know here.
