Today we’d like to introduce you to Kathy Leader.
Alright, so thank you so much for sharing your story and insight with our readers. To kick things off, can you tell us a bit about how you got started?
My story started as a little girl growing up in South Africa. My mother was a wonderful artist and I used to accompany her on outdoor adventures painting the African horizon. I was always influenced by the richness of the colors, textures and bold shapes of the landscape. As I grew up I encountered judgment about how I was working from well meaning parents and professors. However, this diminished my creative confidence.
After graduating from art school in Cape Town, I did my masters in art education. That led me to eventually open up my own practicing and teaching studio, calling it “The Art Process Studio”. I became fascinated by the creative process both for myself and my students. What was it that encouraged/discouraged the art process? This translated into developing creative workshops for individuals and companies wanting to bring creativity into their personal and professional lives.
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?
No road is smooth!! However, the bumps have taught me to keep my eye on my mission: To bring creativity into EVERYONE’S lives, whether they see themselves as artists or not. Some of the struggles have been to convince people of the value of this work and not diminishing my belief in my own worth.
I have had to learn a lot about online marketing even though it is not my favorite way to spend my valuable time! Technology has changed so fast that I am trying to keep up with competing AI voices.
Thanks for sharing that. So, maybe next you can tell us a bit more about your work?
I have always been interested in the spiritual impact of nature on my life. It was amongst the trees or next to the ocean that I was able to quieten my mind. My recent work is primarily concerned with the destruction of the environment, a wake up call to look, listen, observe and honor the natural world.
I began working with mixed media: acrylics and collage. However lately I have been drawn to working with earth materials.
As a mixed media artist, I work with natural fibers, objects, images and plant dyes. Manipulated natural images are collaged and sewn or painted over in an attempt to bury and resurrect them.
“At once my images of nature convey longing and even beauty in their brokenness.”
What sets me apart from other creativity coaches is my focus on mindfulness. I am also a meditation facilitator. I bring that all into my coaching as a way to guide myself and others into the creative moment.
What has been the most important lesson you’ve learned along your journey?
Most important lesson: TRUST. Be quiet enough and drown out the noise in order to listen to your quiet inner creative voice. It has the answers before your doubting mind comes in to play games!
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.theart-process.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/kathyleaderartprocess/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/ArtProcesswithKathyLeader
- LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/artworkshops-theartprocess/
- Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/c/TheArtProcesswithKathyLeader
- Yelp: http://bit.ly/TheArtProcessY
