We were lucky to catch up with Qathryn Brehm recently and have shared our conversation below.
Hi Qathryn, really happy you were able to join us today and we’re looking forward to sharing your story and insights with our readers. Let’s start with the heart of it all – purpose. How did you find your purpose?
Growing up in Northern Wisconsin in the 1950’s, my family always had art projects that helped pass time during the long winters. My father worked in the photo department at the local newspaper and helped me set up a makeshift photo darkroom. I loved taking photos and entering in competitions were my first exhibits. Never thought of these fun projects as skill building, but when it came to seeking employment these skills were easily transferable. These skills and a love of making things developed a purpose to start working in the arts as well as working with teams to get things done. Art became a passion.
Appreciate the insights and wisdom. Before we dig deeper and ask you about the skills that matter and more, maybe you can tell our readers about yourself?
I moved to downtown Los Angeles in 1979. Wanting a BIG studio/loft! At the time, there were so many of them available for very inexpensive rates. Rented a beautiful 11th floor, 3,000 sq. ft space for very little. I lived/worked there for 5 years, and the rental rates were going up fast. Then moved to the Los Angeles Arts District and lived/worked there until just 5 years ago.
Seeing and experiencing downtown’s growth was exciting. Over the years I worked with others to found DLANC, (Downtown LA Neighborhood Council), worked for a BID (Business Improvement District) for several years as community and marketing director, was and still am the executive director of the Downtown Art Walk, wrote a column for the Arts District website (that has been published into a book) and continued my work as an artist.
On March 12, 2020, my exhibit at the historic Fine Arts Building in downtown Los Angeles was scheduled to open and as things happen, it was the very eve the World Health Organization declared the COVID-19 outbreak a global pandemic. The exhibit curator had decided we would still open the exhibit and with a few friends, we made the best of the evening. The exhibit was extended through a for two period! The longest exhibit I have ever had, as well as the longest for the history of this old, beautiful, and historic building.
One of the organizations I work with and am very proud of is the International Association of Art USA (IAA USA), an NGO under UNESCO. In 2014 along with a few friends and artists I became painfully aware the United States was not a member of this world-wide organization. The main organization IAA/AIAP has been in existence since the 1930s, has over 60 countries world-wide as members, representing 1,000’s of artists and it was hard to believe the USA was not a member. I contacted the IAA/AIAP president, Bedri Baykam in Turkey and with his assistance we started working on becoming an IAA/AIAP member. It took 3 years and in 2017, Los Angeles became the official headquarters for the IAA USA. The organization continues to develop and grow. We have recently received a City of Los Angeles Proclamation and have continued our celebration of World Art Day on April 15th and making plans for World Art Day 2023.
There is so much advice out there about all the different skills and qualities folks need to develop in order to succeed in today’s highly competitive environment and often it can feel overwhelming. So, if we had to break it down to just the three that matter most, which three skills or qualities would you focus on?
Recognizing opportunities, being sincere and loving the work you are doing. As an artist figuring out how to make a living and continue doing your work is the tough one. I see so many young artists struggling with that. Freelance or contracting can be a real freedom, but you must always be looking for work and it is exhausting. Art becomes a business rather than a creative outlet. Then the struggle is how as an artist do we separate the two and make it work? Educational art programs are finally starting to add business awareness to their catalogs
Who has been most helpful in helping you overcome challenges or build and develop the essential skills, qualities or knowledge you needed to be successful?
Working with other artists as mentors and having their assistance and being able to apprentice under their tutorship has been very rewarding. Artists that are working in your field are the ones to work with. Even if it is just to volunteer it can be very productive. Just be careful to not to be taken advantage of, that happens too!
Contact Info:
- Website: qathryn.com
- Instagram: qbfoto
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/qathryn.brehm
- Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/qathrynbrehm/
Image Credits
Carol Ring Jenna Priebe Fine Arts Building
1-photo credit: Gloria Delson Contemporary Art Gallery
2-photo credit: Steven Seemeyer
