Kathy Cornwell Interview
Kathy Cornwell | @kathy.cornwell.art
Tell us a bit about yourself. Who you are, where you’re from and what you do.
I’m from northern Virginia, in the D.C. metro area. I’m a monotype printmaker first and foremost, and I often make collages with the papers I’ve printed. My artwork had a slow burn for decades, and I’m finally hitting my stride in my 50’s. I create bold art that is colorful and celebrates organic shapes.
“I am continually surprised and delighted when printmaking. My heart skips a beat as I begin to pull the paper off the plate, excited to see the results.”
What do you love most about what you do?
The element of surprise! I am continually surprised and delighted when printmaking. My heart skips a beat as I begin to pull the paper off the plate, excited to see the results. Even when I’m cutting masks and stencils, the voids—which normally would be considered waste—are often even more interesting to me than the positive shape. Speaking of waste, I love taking items that would ordinarily be considered trash and using them as a tool in printmaking. Monotype printmaking makes you see the world differently!
What do you find most challenging?
I get overwhelmed with all my papers and supplies, so I’m constantly trying to get better at my organizational systems. It doesn’t come naturally to me; I’m the kind of person who wants everything to be out, where I can see it.
When things get tough, where do you find the inspiration to keep moving forward?
Sometimes it’s a matter of stepping away for a time and letting myself feel all the feelings. Other times, I try something totally different and that refills my cup. I try to remind myself that it’s normal to hit the wall at times, but that you just need to keep moving.
“My artwork had a slow burn for decades, and I’m finally hitting my stride in my 50’s. I create bold art that is colorful and celebrates organic shapes.”
Who is someone you admire most and why?
One of the most impactful teachers I have had is Jane Davies. I love her work, and she has had a profound impact on my art practice. She has helped me really look closely at my work and articulate what I see. When I take a class from Jane I find myself holding myself to a high standard and learning a lot. I appreciate her so much!
Tell me something unusual that makes you happy.
Sometimes I listen to ASMR recordings of someone speaking very quietly, and it puts me into an incredibly peaceful and meditative state. The only problem is that I can get too relaxed and sleepy!
Anything weird on your bucketlist?
Someday I’d love to go to the Mummers festival in St. John, Newfoundland. This traditional festival is so creative and fun! I follow it online every year. People create costumes such as “ribbon fools,” hobby horses, and other traditional getups. They sometimes use homemade musical instruments called ugly sticks. No sexy or store bought costumes here—just pure creativity and fun.
Top three songs you keep on repeat?
I have a “create” playlist that keeps me bopping in the studio. Three of my favorite songs from it are:
Play Pretend by Caspr. Haven’t heard of Caspr? If you like The Cure, you’ll like his work.
How You Like Me Now by The Heavy
Work Bitch by Britney Spears
Podcast you can’t get enough of?
It’s impossible to pick just one! I’d say the three most impactful ones for me are I Like Your Work by Erika B. Hess, The Create! Podcast with Ekaterina Popova, and The Art Biz podcast with Alyson Stanfield.
How do you fuel for the day?
A big breakfast, lots of caffeine, and a hike! I hike every day that I possibly can, sometimes twice a day. It’s good for my body and soul, not to mention my art practice!
Scissors or exacto knife?
I’m going to go with neither! While I do use these tools, I prefer to rip paper with my hands or use my Brother ScanNCut cutting machine. No matter which way the paper is cut, I find it to be a transformative, almost magical process.
Tell us about your vision for the future. Go big! We want to root you on!
My goal for 2023 is to gain gallery representation in a few high quality contemporary art galleries. I have a list of goal galleries in the works. I look forward to establishing long-term, mutually rewarding relationships with these galleries.
Kathy Cornwell | @kathy.cornwell.art
www.kathycornwell.com
