Meet Katy Helen | Artist

We had the good fortune of connecting with Katy Helen and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Katy, what is the most important factor behind your success?
I think the most important factor in being successful is to intentionally and continually define what success looks like for you. It is likely to change at different times in your career and there’s no sense in chasing an outdated vision.

When I had a corporate career, my dream was to one day be able to make enough money at art that I could quit my job and still pay my bills. At that time, I defined success as the freedom to work for myself and create art all day. Once I was earning a modest living as a full-time artist, my goals shifted and became more financially driven. I wanted to grind and grow the business so that I could feel financially secure. I’m sure I also felt I had something to prove. I didn’t care much about my social life. Eventually I found myself thirty and single and realized I had to create space in my life for relationships. Once I was married and having children, my goal was just to hold onto my art enough that it would be there to come back to when I had more of myself to give. Now that I’m coming into that space, it feels more important than ever to be deliberate about which version of success I pursue. I’m asking myself questions like what do I want each day to look like? Which work feels meaningful, important and inspired? What does work/life balance look like at this stage?

These are not questions that you answer once and then move on. It’s an ongoing effort to pay attention and make sure I’m still choosing the path I’m on and course-correcting as needed. It would be a shame to chase the wrong version of success only to realize it wasn’t really what you wanted once you got there.

Let’s talk shop? Tell us more about your career, what can you share with our community?
I create hand-cut stained glass and mirror mosaic work on all sorts of interesting surfaces. I’m most known for my mirror mosaic surfboards but I work on all sorts of substrates. I recently installed a set of custom mosaic stair risers and my next project will be a 10′ canoe. My clientele consists of major brands, local businesses and anyone who appreciates original artwork. I earned my BA in Small Business Management and worked in the corporate world for a time before quitting my job to pursue art full-time in 2011. I’ve been grateful to work hard doing what I love ever since. I’m currently doing some bouncing back and forth between SoCal and my home state of Minnesota. I’m looking forward to participating in San Diego’s Little Italy ArtWalk this coming April and will be hosting an opening for my new Studio and Gallery in Marine on St Croix, MN at the end of May.

Any places to eat or things to do that you can share with our readers? If they have a friend visiting town, what are some spots they could take them to?
Keep it loose! Spend some time soaking up the laid back local vibe by cruising Newport Ave in OB and don’t miss fish tacos at South Beach. The Little Italy Mercato is not to be missed. Every Saturday you can stroll several blocks sampling the best local food and artisan wares San Diego has to offer. They have everything from live sea urchin to beautiful bohemian jewelry from my favorite – LilyGirl Jewelry. Catch the Hornblower over to Coronado Island and rent some bikes to cruise along the beach and stop at the Hotel Del for ice cream. If you surf, take a little drive up the coast to San-O and pack a lunch to enjoy under a palapa between sessions. You’ll probably still want to stop for a burrito or some rolled tacos with guacamole at Pedro’s afterward. If you don’t surf but you want to try, grab a lesson on a soft top at gentle & sandy La Jolla Shores. Wherever you end up, make sure you head west every evening – don’t miss a single sunset.

Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
In the early days my imposter syndrome was so intense I couldn’t even sign my work because it felt too presumptuous. The friends, family and customers who encouraged me and purchased my art believed in me enough that I eventually dared to believe in myself. If anyone out there is in possession of a funky alien painting, Petrait, derby hat, custom painting or surfboard – I’m looking at you. Thank you.

Website: www.katyhelen.com

Instagram: @katyhelenart

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/KatyHelenArt

Other: www.marinevillagestudios.com

Image Credits
Amanda Chanel Photography