Hi, I’m Kate. I come from Lebanon, Missouri, and I’ve lived in and around Kansas City, Missouri for most of the last 25 years. I went to school in Springfield and Kansas City, but I only studied art in high school and on my own. I was a graphic designer specializing in design for printing for about 30 years, until I faced a couple of major health challenges that made me realize life’s too short and too sweet to spend it settling for second best.
After having most of my colon taken out and a cute little titanium joint put into my neck, I spent the past year recovering and rehabbing my body. Now I have re-started my business, 3foldArt.Co, and I specialize in creating cute animal characters. I create mixed media illustrations and some fiber art sculptural pieces. I’m working on illustrating a series of children’s books about farting octopus friends.
I love playing with inks and paper and fiber—the more colorful the better! In my free time, I love walking with my elderly dog, Revan, who looks like a Kelpie mix (a kind of cattle dog), hiking moderately difficult trails all over the country, reading books, playing Fallout76, and cooking with my mom and daughter. I recently joined a church that inspires me, and I’m a volunteer for a prison ministry here in Kansas City. Every day is a gift, and I’m so grateful for my amazing doctors who fixed me up so I can do the things that matter to me again. I try to not take a minute for granted.
I’m a huge fan of healing techniques. I’ve worked hard my whole life to continually grow as a human and to spread joy to those around me. I try to learn from everyone around me and hopefully inspire others to be like a child and let their silly side play.
My art style is heavily influenced by the art of Dr. Suess and Toby Bluth, and I’m energized by classic psychedelic art from the 1960s and 1970s. I love color! Experiencing nature regularly reminds me to take risks and be silly. I’m obsessed with clouds, too, with their endless shapes and textures. I see everything as alive and I aim to honor what the materials want to be. I try to follow the example of the ultimate Creator—have fun and play!
Shows
I’m the current Artist-in-Residence at Golden Heartland Academy. I have shown my work in the 2021 Vineyard Creative Imaginarium and Creative Festival, Ontario, Canada. I also bring art to regional Burning Man events in the midwestern US.