Wonder where my inspiration comes from?

Initially inspired by the creative energy in my family and surroundings during early childhood and my continuous thirst for creative outlets, I have always been creative and crafty in some fashion. From drawing, painting over sewing and crocheting to singing and dancing - you name it!

Over the past years, I've developed from a self-taught creative to a professional illustrator and artist, by means of vocational trainings and professional seminars as well as official educational certifications. Hence, turning my artistic talent and passion into a second career and profession - after working in the area of medical and pharmaceutical market research for over 20 years. Quite a change!

Painting azulejos at a course in Lisbon; photo by K.Wilfong

Portuguese tiles, seen in Lisbon; photo by K.Wilfong

Beautifully tiled house front and lovely doorway, seen in Lisbon; photo by K.Wilfong

A trip to Portugal truly sparked my career change, where I discovered those beautiful azulejos, Portuguese tile designs, for the very first time. I was amazed by not only the artistic craftmanship but also by the cultural meaning(s) each symbol, motif or lettering (style) can carry. I found this highly fascinating and started to learn more about azulejos to convert my own ideas into tile designs.

I'm now known for my detail-loving artwork exploring either the relationship between nature / organic matter and geometric patterns or the manifold possibilities and delights of black & white ink illustrations. When creating artwork, I mostly work with traditional mediums, such as watercolor, gouache, acrylic paint, alcohol-based markers, graphite, coloring pencils as well as archival ink on paper or canvas. Not necessarily all of them together at once - lol - but I do enjoy using mixed media to a great extent in my artwork.

Mixed media 1 (watercolors, gouache) as used by me; photo by K.Wilfong

Mixed media 2 (graphite) as used by me; photo by K.Wilfong

Mixed media 3 (graphite, coloring pencils) as used by me; photo by K.Wilfong

Personally, I truly enjoy working with analog tools and materials as it simply feels more authentic to me. I enjoy the haptic and sensual quality of analog artwork over 100% digitally composed, purely on-screen artwork and illustrations. However, I do appreciate the advantages digital tools provide and use these as I see fit for a project, e.g. to transfer my analog work to the digital realm. A savvy mix and creative use of both, digital and analog materials, tools + approaches yield truly amazing results.

While my projects often revolve around, for instance, hand-drawn ink collages, pattern designs as well as other personalized artwork, I'm always eager to explore new projects that resonate with my personal inspiration and style.

So, whatever you're looking for... don't hesitate to reach out! :)

Maybe we can create something new + exciting together?!

REACH OUT

Cheers, KAT