Meet Kathleen Kane-Murrell

Alright – so today we’ve got the honor of introducing you to Kathleen Kane-Murrell. We think you’ll enjoy our conversation, we’ve shared it below.

Kathleen, thank you so much for taking the time to share your lessons learned with us and we’re sure your wisdom will help many. So, one question that comes up often and that we’re hoping you can shed some light on is keeping creativity alive over long stretches – how do you keep your creativity alive?

I have been thinking a lot about keeping creativity alive as I prepare for a solo show in Spring 2025 at Sparks Gallery in San Diego. As an art educator as well as a visual artist, my brain is engaged in questions and research. I am curious how other artists arrive at their work and lives as creatives. Trying to explain this to children has made me boil down to the essence of what it means to lead a creative life.
There is a strong pull towards what works but I believe that pull can result in stagnant, repetitive work. Experimentation –sometimes in the smallest work, often never seen by anyone else, prods me towards “what if.” Trusting process, not results is important. It took me years to really know what this means.
Ultimately, going into the studio every day and choosing to be there, even if it is to do the most mundane thing leads to opening doors. The hardest part is letting the process speak to me without judgment. Being OK with work that is sometimes strange has been part of my process. And enough times when I can let go of the judgment and make what seems odd…I arrive at a place knowing this work has something to say.
Keeping creativity alive is about opening doors. Sometimes it is new materials, looking at art, a book, music or a random glimpse that sparks an idea. It is my curiosity and aesthetic that directs the process.

Let’s take a small detour – maybe you can share a bit about yourself before we dive back into some of the other questions we had for you?

I am thrilled to have gallery representation. Sparks Gallery has connected my art with collectors and galleries domestically and internationally. Many notable artists have exhibited in this beautiful light filled space. I am thrilled be among them. Collectors can always find my work and access expert art consultants in person at the gallery.

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?

Two qualities I hear often when someone describes me are curiosity and tenacity. I am always interested in the how and why, especially when it comes to art and creativity. And then there’s my stubborn nature and work ethic which seem to be hard wired in me.

I am also attracted to transformations. It is a common thread in my life. The idea of reusing and remaking has become trendy and frankly a good thing for the planet. I grew up with the practice and have always embraced what has been discarded or overlooked. It is a consistent in my art practice.

As we end our chat, is there a book you can leave people with that’s been meaningful to you and your development?

Art and art making has helped me grapple with the paradox of the goodness and magic we hold but also the destructiveness and harm we do to each other. We are facing an existential crisis – there are tough questions about our purpose and existence on the planet. I do not think there is a bigger challenge right now than fostering cooperation through a generosity of spirit with each other.

Literature plays a role in my story. I am currently reading Orbital by Samatha Harvey. Overstory by Richard Powers and Flight Behavior by Barbara Kingsolver have also influenced my work. They are all novels- each a creative endeavor to address the human condition.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.kathleenkanemurrell.com
• Instagram: Kathleen Kane-Murrell
• Linkedin: Kathleen Kane-Murrell