Abstract art is something that allows you to connect on a more personal level with a piece. There are no finite rules, no specific ways in which the art has to be taken in. And that is what makes abstract art so beautiful. Where an artwork could mean something to one person, it could incite something entirely different in another.
When I first started here at AM, the majority of artwork I got the joy of seeing and experiencing was art with definitive compositions and scenes bringing the viewer into the painting. I hadn’t had much experience with abstract art, and to be honest, abstract art was so foreign to me that I would walk past it in art galleries. I couldn’t understand how random splotches of color amounted to something.
And then came Kathleen Conlon.
I remember getting her first few pieces in the mail, sitting, and truly taking them in. The colors, the swirls, the swipes of the paintbrushes all coming together. Kathleen Conlon brought me to a point where I have a better understanding and a better appreciation of abstract art.
Kathleen grew up in a family with very athletic brothers, but sports were not her thing. She gravitated towards art and using art supplies to create anything she could. Taking an art class at a local art museum solidified her love of art when that experience allowed her to work with materials and create projects she didn’t have the opportunity to at home. Drawing, painting, paper collages, and fiber projects were her preferred methods.
But as most artists know or have experienced, becoming a full-time artist is frowned upon in comparison to “the real world”. Kathleen experienced this firsthand when she was encouraged to pursue a degree in mathematics instead of art in college. Although she tried to fit art classes into her semesters and ended up switching her degree to art, Kathleen had a difficult time finding the right career which led her to pursue her master’s degree in education (mathematics). After teaching elementary and middle school math, she eventually decided she wanted to become an elementary school art teacher. Kathleen found her happy place, back surrounded by art supplies that gave her calm and peace. According to Kathleen, “I think I needed to live the life of a math teacher, then art teacher to truly appreciate the freedom I now have to create my original abstract paintings.”
After retiring from teaching, Kathleen had planned on devoting her time to her own artwork. However, she was diagnosed with an aggressive form of breast cancer after only a year into her retirement. Through the tough road of chemotherapy, surgeries, and radiation, surrounded by the love and support of her husband and family, Kathleen beat cancer and is now cancer free! That experience helped shape her current outlook on remaining positive, being happy, and not letting the fear of cancer returning take hold.
The thing I personally love most about Kathleen’s artwork is the titles. My favorite collection is the Pi R Squared Series with titles such as Cherry Pi, Strawberry Pi, and Blueberry Pi. The titles are fun and whimsical and truly capture the essence of the paintings while still allowing the viewer to form their own interpretation of what they are seeing and feeling. When asked how she came up with the names of the paintings, Kathleen said, “Sometimes the inspiration for the painting is reflected in the title and sometimes it is just a glimpse of what I am feeling, while painting. One of my favorite ways to name my paintings is to involve my mother-in -law. I send her photos of recently completed paintings and ask her advice on a title. She has named many paintings and sometimes her suggestions lead me to select a new title. I love her interpretation of my pieces. She often sees and feels things I had not considered.”
Kathleen is inspired by contemporary artists including:
Nancy Ramsey
Gillian St George
Arlene Wallace Towne
Mark Wall
Woody Patterson
Julie Prichard
Amira Rahim.
Beyond these inspirations, Kathleen's own inspirations are highly reflected in her work:
“I am deeply inspired by the belief that art has the power to transform spaces and elevate moods. Each painting is a unique reflection of the moment it was created, intended to resonate with those who seek to bring positivity and vitality into their environments. My goal is to create art that not only beautifies a space, but also evokes a sense of joy and inspiration in the viewer. I am passionate about collaborating with interior designers and collectors who share my appreciation for bold, expressive art, and I am committed to making each piece a one-of-a-kind addition to their collections.”
Kathleen’s advice to up and coming artists is something I think we all should remember even if you aren’t interested in art: “Be sure you are following your own path and not someone else’s!” Can there be any better advice?!
Be sure to check out her social media pages and website!
Website: https://kconlonart.com/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/conlon.kathleen/
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