Today we’d like to introduce you to Kate Barattini
Hi Kate, please kick things off for us with an introduction to yourself and your story.
I am very fortunate to have grown up with a momma who worked as an artist. She always encouraged my pursuits as a young chickadee. As if it couldn’t get much better than that I was fortunate to have attended primary school in a public school system where art programs were well funded (much love to York County, SC). Thanks to this foundation I was able to begin pursuing a career in art with a steady mindset.
In my twenties I read a book by Maria Brophy entitled “Art, Money, Success” that laid out how to be a decent business owner/artist. At the time upon reading that book I had just begun my “Animal Shred” series where human surfers are animated with plant and animal heads. I decided that was going to be my path moving forward and so far, it has been entertaining and delightful.
Would you say it’s been a smooth road, and if not what are some of the biggest challenges you’ve faced along the way?
With heaps of gratitude, I can say “yes” it has been a smooth road. Though what works for me is not what works for others. I am a bartender as well and I have made the choice to “keep my day job” as it allows me the chance to play as well as paint when the time is right…which is usually at night. I admire greatly the artists who only make art for their job and for pleasure. I love bartending, I love people, and I very, very much love spending as much time as possible outdoors playing. My artwork can be very tedious and involves hours of sitting. I had to be real with myself. If I work less I make less money though I am able to live the lifestyle I desire far more. Everyone has to make a choice like that at some point and to get to the mindset that works for me took some time. I had to stop comparing myself to other artists and do what was right for me.
Thanks – so what else should our readers know about your work and what you’re currently focused on?
Artistically, I paint human surfers with plant and animal heads. I primarily use acrylic paint on birch and every now and then I paint murals of ecosystems with all the critters I can possibly fit in the image! I sure do love doing those murals. I listen to books when I paint. The stories have given me the chance to empathize with folks of differing realities and learn many beautiful notions that I can carry into each day.
Outside of painting I am a surfer, and I am currently falling in love with botany and herbalism more and more every day.
I am most proud of having a balanced life. We all sacrifice some major gifts in life to make room for something else we aren’t aware of yet. I have found that I have time to be a good friend, daughter, girlfriend, sister, small business owner, employee…the list goes on. I say “no” a good bit when I know I’m not the right person for a job and I get excited when I know a job was meant for me. I’m able to be very honest with my clients and that is a gift like no other.
What has been the most important lesson you’ve learned along your journey?
Be true to yourself. If I’m being lazy about a painting and do everything else in the world other than paint, I’ll call myself out on it in a kind way. Something like, “It’s okay you were lazy but it’s time to get yuh rear in gear because finishing that piece will feel amazing!” Knowing when to say “yes” or “no” to a job. Never saying I’m sorry unless I truly am and never ever making excuses. If I procrastinated on a job and it isn’t getting done on time, I will tell the client just that (though I do try to keep that to a minimum).
Pricing:
- Commission pricing: 5×5”- $125 8×8”- $190 8×10”- $240 11×14”- $460 16×20”- $960 All the above are painted with acrylic on birch canvas with a 1.5” gallery depth.
- Murals: Subject to surface of the wall, size, and level of detail: Low detail $18/sq. foot————-High detail $36/sq. foot
Contact Info:
- Website: https://rabbitholemediums.com/
- Instagram: @kbtini
