Today we’d like to introduce you to Katherine Bell McClure.
Katherine, please kick things off for us by telling us about yourself and your journey so far.
I was one of those kids considered an artist from a young age. With praise and encouragement from friends, family and teachers, I developed enough confidence in myself to take my art seriously. Graduating from college with a major is Studio Art in 1992, I went on to NYC, where I worked at the Museum of Modern Art. Back in Atlanta, I began making my art again, finding a studio space within a gallery on Means Street on the now popular Westside.
One thing not taught in school was how to make a living as an artist, the business side of things, or even how to find opportunities out there for artists (pre-internet). This lead to my family and me never considering it anything more than a hobby. After many starts and stops, I finally dedicated myself to making art since 2010. I concentrate on pet portraits for a consistent income and make mixed media pieces of all sizes that I sell through Atlanta Artist Collective, my website and other gallery shows. My business is a joy.
Can you give our readers some background on your art?
Most of my art is 2-dimensional. I start with abstract piece, often using vintage ephemera & various paints and pencils. I make my art on various surfaces- canvas, wood panels, books or paper, and I sometimes keep building on a piece to make assemblages from found objects. My deep love for animals is reflected in the art I make. My paintings include wildlife or farm animals or reflect nature in some way. I’ve had pets my whole life and now raise rescue animals- including ducks, chickens, geese, and rabbits. They are my inspiration.
In your view, what is the biggest issue artists have to deal with?
I think for artists the internet is simultaneously our best asset and our biggest challenge at the same time.
All the images available for inspiration, the ease of getting our artwork in front of more people, and the ability to sell internationally online is phenomenal. On the other hand, getting sucked in by browsing through these images for far too long cuts into creative time. Seeing artwork by so many other artists makes us feel we aren’t needed or aren’t good enough. Sitting back and waiting for online sales rather than forcing ourselves into face to face time can be detrimental.
What’s the best way for someone to check out your work and provide support?
My art is available through my website, www.katherine-mcclure.com, and atlantaartistcollective.org. Commission pet portraits available through www.petportrait.dog.
Contact Info:
- Address: 737 Woodward Way, Atlanta, GA 30327
- Website: www.katherine-mcclure.com
- Phone: 4048950170
- Email: kathbmcclure@me.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/kmcclureartist/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/kmcclureartist/
- Twitter: https://twitter.com/KMcClureArtist
- Other: https://petportrait.dog
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