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

Hi Katherine, how do you think about risk?
Risk-taking is so very important to the process of being an Artist and an Entrepreneur, investing in ourselves and believing in ourselves is important when taking a risk. It is the only way to lead ourselves down a path of self-discovery and ultimately success. I recognize and acknowledge that the ability to take risks in a career choice is a privilege and many artists are privileged to spend time doing what they love with the hope and goal that it can become a career but this is also part of the risk. It takes so much confidence and courage to do this, but with any risk we will either be met with rewards or lessons, both are valuable.

Can you open up a bit about your work and career? We’re big fans and we’d love for our community to learn more about your work.
I grew up in San Diego to an entrepreneur math brain Father and a Mother who was in between working as a merchandiser and a stay at home Mom on and off. Both of my parents were hippies who met at a disco in Clairemont, I have the most supportive, music-loving, parents who encouraged me to dream and to pursue my creativity and love for Art. I grew up playing outside mostly and quite literally singing to flowers, I was always singing. I studied Studio Arts at San Diego State University and received my Bachelor in Fine Arts degree in 2013. My art has evolved over the years from black and white ink illustrations to painted wood carving panels and painting on canvas. Just last year I began practicing ceramics and my chosen style is hand-molding and this medium allows me to be minimal and designerly. I feel like I bounce between many styles of painting, but I am always narrating some experience or feeling I have felt deeply. Despite the heavy influence that has been created from social media, I do not create in one style or one product as a goal. I like to skip around from illustrating tee-shirts, creating paintings, molding ceramics, and exploring many mediums. How I got to where I am today is a reflection of persevering and never stopping my practices of creating and sharing my artwork. I have found inspiration in my peers, art educators, education programs, teaching, and interacting with my students. At times it has been hard to continue with confidence as an Artist and Entrepenuer but small victories keep the flame lit.

If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
If I had a friend visiting San Diego and I could create an itinerary for us I would take them to multiple coffee shops throughout the week like Hawthorne in North Park, Lofty coffee in Little Italy, and Public Square in La Mesa. Once we got our coffee we could walk around and check out the shops, small shops, antique malls, and I would take them to my shop Little Dame!! On one afternoon I could take them on a drive, the sun would be beautifully shining, we’d be catching up and listening to great music on the drive to Ocean Beach, my favorite beach. I would grab some deli sandwiches and a beer and we would sit on the cliffs and watch the ocean. Let’s pretend this is post-covid, one night I would take them out to dinner, and we’d grab some cocktails all dressed up for a night out. After that we go to a live music show at the Casbah, dance our butts off, and need to take a Lyft home or afterparty. Perhaps one of the afternoons we grab a blanket and lay around on the grass at Balboa Park just chatting, and doodling in our journals, sipping on beer or coffee. That’s my perfect week with a friend.

Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
I would like to recognize my family and my parents for their love and support! My husband Oscar for being supportive and encouraging me to continue my pursuit of being a business owner and artist. I would like to thank my Director at Project Paint, Laura Pecenco, for believing in me and giving me an opportunity to teach and grow with my students. And I want to thank the universe and my Ancestors with my greatest good in mind.

Website: katiecarrionarts.com
Instagram: @katieartworkssss
Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/katie-howard-carrion-078a966b/
Other: Littledameshop.com

Image Credits
Joshuat Nava

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