ARTS + ENTERTAINMENT
KENT ARTIST PROFILE :
KATHERINE TURNER
POWERHOUSE FREELANCE PAINTER , AUTHOR AND ILLUSTRATOR KATHERINE TURNER HAS NEVER GIVEN UP ON HER DREAMS . FROM PUBLISHING INSPIRING AND EDUCATIONAL CHILDREN ' S BOOKS , TO PERFECTLY CAPTURING THE EVER CHANGING LANDSCAPES OF KENT ON CANVAS , KATHERINE GIVES insideKENT AN INSIGHT INTO HER WORLD OF WONDER AND WHIMSY .
What is it about illustrating children ’ s books that speaks to you and how did you discover your passion for it ?
I love the process of creating books for children , from writing the story to illustrating the pictures . For me , it ’ s a chance to use my observations of life and people to shape the story , and at the same time let my imagination run free . This means the story can be relatable , but also inspiring . I discovered my passion for story-telling during an art therapy course I attended where we were asked to role-play children and encouraged to share our experiences and emotions through stories . I enjoyed it so much I wanted to do it more .
How did it feel seeing your illustrations on the front cover of a book for the first time ?
When my first book arrived in the post and I saw the cover for the first time I felt really proud . It had been a massive journey for me to get to that point and there were lots of times I didn ’ t think I would finish it . It felt a bit surreal , but also really exciting . It was even more strange seeing parents show my book to their children for the first time .
Tell us a little about life as a freelance painter and illustrator .
Life as a freelance painter and illustrator is full . Whenever I take on a new project I experience so many emotions , from the initial apprehension , to the excitement of its potential ; to frustration at not being able to get it right , to the satisfaction of overcoming an obstacle . I also love the variation of commissions I receive , from drawing pet portraits to illustrating families , to painting huge , colourful murals .
The natural world really seems to speak to you , what do you think it is about the sky and sea in particular that intrigues your creative side ?
Nature is such an interesting subject to paint because of all the thousands of stories that have been experienced within it . I particularly love painting the sea , partly because it ’ s my favourite place to be , and also because the colours in the sky are constantly changing and then being reflected and distorted by the sea ’ s movement . I also love how light can completely transform a dull and lifeless scene into something that looks confident and beautiful .
What has been the highlight of your career so far ?
Having my artwork on display in a high street shop in Canterbury is one of my biggest achievements . It ’ s been so great to be able to show more people my art alongside other artists ' work , and have strangers buy my books . It ’ s also been good to be part of a community of artists who are on a similar journey and understand the struggles and joys .
Where can we find your work ?
You can find my work on my website – www . ktdesigns . me and etsy page – ‘ KTpaintingdesign ’. My books and prints can also been found in The Canterbury Makers shop along the Marlowe Arcade in Canterbury .
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