Today we’d like to introduce you to Kay Hughes.
Hi Kay, we’d love for you to start by introducing yourself.
The route I took as a designer and artist was through interior design. We had to create our renderings; they weren’t computer-generated. You had to listen to the clients and not just make something for the fad of the day. This is when I learned that all designs and art were unique and challenging. Good art requires inspiration and the courage to create. I’m good with color and composition but not with words, so how should I express myself in an image? Art is the composition that gets me, the unique relationships, the color mix, the accents, and the harmony of blending different colors, textures, and sizes that create the right vibe feeling and blend elements. The love of nature and the great outdoors has always been an inspiration. I often wonder if my creative efforts are meeting the expectations of others. As an artist, I need more than to meet my expectations. Why do I paint or think I can create? For me, having people in the same space seeing the same art but reacting differently is a harmonizing energy like a good song.
Can you talk to us about the challenges and lessons you’ve learned? Looking back, has it been easy or smooth in retrospect?
After marrying, I started a family, and upon returning to the workforce, I had to start working as if I were a high school dropout with no work record. All the women I knew were in this position and knew this would happen. Many of us had been in philanthropic organizations and on boards and committees organizing significant events for and with our communities. Throughout my life, the one thing that came up on job assessments was that I was ‘organized and an independent thinker.’ I was in the corporate world for many years and enjoyed most of it. I finally returned to full-time art with confidence in my ability to create art and designs.
Let’s switch gears a bit and talk business. What should we know about your work?
My art is inspired by nature and what is around me. When I moved to Texas, it was suggested that I become Texafied. I paint a lot of locals, like long horns, roadrunners, goats, and chickens. The western skies are to die for, and the Gulf Coast is always inspiring. I hike and walk local, state, and national parks, taking photos or sketching along the way. I tried encaustic art because I could incorporate things into the art. Now, I sketch and watercolor to keep up the craft. My main work is in oil, but I also paint in acrylic. My website is www.knottgarden.com.
What would you say has been one of the most important lessons you’ve learned?
Every time I paint, the composition’s color wins the acolytes. Creating is singular; collaboration is joining to develop, and both results will be celebrated. I still work with groups and organizations. Pulling people together, the coordinators need to listen and lead. I am the workhorse, the engine master, not necessarily the frontman. I encourage people’s strengths. I don’t appreciate intimidation, bullies, big mouths who speak and get nothing done, or behind-your-back pouters. As an art curator, I am delighted to see artists celebrate the sale of a piece. I would then very quietly ask them to show me their happy dance. The reactions were different, but they appreciated the moment and recognition. Walk away from toxic situations that you have no control over.
Contact Info:
- Website: www.knottgarden.com
- Instagram: www.instagram.com/knottgarden/
- Facebook: www.facebook.com/KnottGarden
- Twitter: twitter.com/knottgarden
- Youtube: www.youtube.com/channel/UClm_YBaUA1pn-sz-Oe9CL1Q
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