Dreamers & Doers – Artist Interview with Katherine Kousi

My continued fascination with art and the artistic process has led me to another talented and inspirational artist, Katherine Kousi.

A mother of three boys, a passionate, creative, and devoted artist, I wanted to find out about her process and what inspires her to create.

How long have you been painting for?

I have been painting for all of my life.

What does “being creative” mean to you?

To be creative means not to have fear.

What kind of creative patterns, routines rituals do you have?

My rituals are as follows, I am always reading about art, looking at other artists works and always creating.

What’s your favorite thing you’ve ever created?

The best thing I ever created is my three boys.

What are you trying to communicate with your art?

I am trying to communicate emotions and questions.

In a more standard form it would have to be a series of drawings that I did of my father while he was reaching the end of his life.  These sketches helped me process this huge loss.

Which creative medium would you love to pursue but haven’t yet?

I would like to pursue working with clay.

What’s the best advice you ever had about how to be more creative?

The best advice I would have to give to be more creative is to continuing working all the time . Do not throw or destroy any of your works as my best paintings have been from mistakes . Ask questions , listen and be still.

What inspired you to become an artist?

I had no choice but to become an artist, it is the only thing that completely keeps me in the presence!

How did you get where you are today?

I got to where I am today by not being afraid and sticking to my truth.

What is the main challenge you face when beginning a painting?

The main challenge I face when beginning a painting is turning off my brain and just letting go.

At what point in the process of the painting do you begin to feel like the painting is almost completed? How has painting influenced your life?

A painting is never done, you just have to walk away.  My life is the foundation of all my paintings.A painting is never done , you just have to walk away .

What qualities do you look for in people you work with or other artists?

The qualities I look for in other people are truth and fearlessness.

How did you start doing the soap paintings, where do you get your (soap) materials from?  I have never seen this process before they are so unique and beautiful.

The soap paintings began when the boys and I were in Paris last Summer.  There was that awful attack that happened and I knew I had to put some of the emotion into a painting.  I did not have any of my supplies with me and I just so happen to walk into a soap factory where they were cutting large bars of glycerin soap.   I immediately bought some soap and started cutting it up with my boys.  Each sliver represented someone that died or was seriously injured in the attack.

Will you be showing in any galleries in the LA area? Have you had shows in the past?

At this point I am having lots of studio visits to find the perfect fit so I can go peacefully sign with a gallery.   to find the perfect fit so I can go peacefully sign with a gallery. I have had solo shows but have primarily sold through word of mouth.

To see more of Katherine’s artwork please visit her website:

http://www.katherinekousi.com/