We recently had the chance to connect with Karen Chatham and have shared our conversation below.
Karen , we’re thrilled to have you with us today. Before we jump into your intro and the heart of the interview, let’s start with a bit of an ice breaker: What makes you lose track of time—and find yourself again?
Losing track of time is almost normal for me. Anytime I have a paintbrush, camera or a writing pen in my hand, I lose my concept of time. But it’s a great place to be in this crazy world. I usually find myself again when I look at the clock.
Can you briefly introduce yourself and share what makes you or your brand unique?
I am Karen Kennedy Chatham, a Texas Artist who specializes in western art of wild horses, cattle, and cowboys and Native American culture, but every now and then I go out of my box into colorful abstracts and florals.
Because I paint in oils from my own photography, I travel up from North Texas to the sages and mesas where the wild mustangs run free. So far, I have photographed and painted horses from Wyoming, California, Utah, Nevada and Colorado. Most of these paintings have Native American petroglyphs hidden in my art. These were photographed on hikes in the canyons that are not far from where the horses run.
Painting horses is my first love, but I am also a Ft.Worth native. Painting longhorn cattle and western scenes are a part of my cowgirl heart..
As I grow in my craft, I am experimenting with abstract art interwoven with realistic horses, longhorns and bison. This new frontier of textures and colors is very natural for me, and I look forward to every opportunity to get in my studio to see what happens next.
Amazing, so let’s take a moment to go back in time. Who saw you clearly before you could see yourself?
My mother. She still has my first paintings and pottery from Junior High art class. She is still my biggest fan and the best of friends.
If you could say one kind thing to your younger self, what would it be?
I would say…Let yourself be who God created you to be, and let Jesus be who He is in you. Let Him make you into His masterpiece and don’t be afraid of the outcome. He is the supreme artist in you.
Sure, so let’s go deeper into your values and how you think. What’s a belief or project you’re committed to, no matter how long it takes?
Being the best I can be at everything I do. Both my parents taught me to do this, even in the smallest things. Such as painting realistic wild horses. If I want to do my authentic best, I have to go where the wild horses are. Spend time observing and connecting with their spirits, and learn to use my camera to get the best reference photos. If I want to produce high quality paintings I have to learn which canvases work best for my style, which paints give me the colors and textures for the best out come. The hours and travel of perfecting my craft are worth every second and mile, because I love what I am doing so much.
Thank you so much for all of your openness so far. Maybe we can close with a future oriented question. What is the story you hope people tell about you when you’re gone?
I hope they remember how I was not afraid to take adventurous chances to get the photos for my paintings, and that I was painfully determined to reach my goals. I hope they are inspired by my life to love one another and to love God.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://karenkchatham.com
- Instagram: artbykarenchatham
- Facebook: kkchatham
