Meet Kathryn Blommel

We were lucky to catch up with Kathryn Blommel recently and have shared our conversation below.

Hi Kathryn, we’re so appreciative of you taking the time to share your nuggets of wisdom with our community. One of the topics we think is most important for folks looking to level up their lives is building up their self-confidence and self-esteem. Can you share how you developed your confidence?

Much of my confidence stems from the encouragement and reassurance I receive from friends and family. I am fortunate to have a supportive family that stands by me and uplifts me. Throughout my artistic journey, I have developed connections with teachers who have mentored me, guiding my artistic growth and giving me the confidence to pursue opportunities that push me out of my comfort zone.

Thanks, so before we move on maybe you can share a bit more about yourself?

I am a visual artist based in Minneapolis, MN. I work primarily in charcoal and graphite to create surreal, emotionally resonant compositions that place the female form within expansive, dreamlike landscapes. My drawings explore the relationship between internal emotional states and the environments that shape them, using recurring motifs such as barren trees, mirrored reflections, and still figures. Through these elements, I aim to portray women as living embodiments of inherited experiences, psychological weight, and quiet resilience.

Much of my imagery draws from personal memory or photographs. Trees, vast landscapes, and the female figure appear throughout my work, each carrying symbolic significance. Trees in particular serve as a central visual metaphor—often shown bare, fragmented, or reflected—representing lineage, loss, and the unseen forces that mold identity. Their branches frequently envelop or intertwine with the figure, situating her within an atmospheric, unpredictable world.

Through these motifs, I investigate themes of intergenerational memory and feminine adolescence. My work often engages with ideas of concealment and distortion, reflecting how memory—especially traumatic or complicated memory—can simultaneously clarify and obscure the past.

In 2025, I received my Bachelor of Fine Arts degree from the University of Minnesota. I have showcased my work at venues such as the Katherine E. Nash Gallery, The New York Academy of Art, Gamut Gallery, Burl Gallery, Soo Visual Arts Center, and the Quarter Gallery at the University of Minnesota. My work has also appeared in journals including the Yale Journal of Art and Art History, The Harvard Undergraduate Art Journal, and See/Saw at the University of California, Berkeley. Additionally, my artistic practice has been supported through grants and scholarships from organizations such as the Elizabeth Greenshields Foundation, The Stobart Foundation, The McKnight Foundation, the National Society of Arts and Letters, the New York Academy of Art, the Central Minnesota Arts Board, and the University of Minnesota.

Looking back, what do you think were the three qualities, skills, or areas of knowledge that were most impactful in your journey? What advice do you have for folks who are early in their journey in terms of how they can best develop or improve on these?

The most important lesson I have learned through art is to always be patient, trust the process, and recognize when things are beyond your control. Too often, I find myself judging my work based on the audience’s reaction. However, the only opinion that should truly matter is your own. While it’s helpful to listen to constructive criticism, you should prioritize your own intentions and desires. My advice to people who are starting their creative journey is to never give up. Results are not immediate; they take time and patience.

Thanks so much for sharing all these insights with us today. Before we go, is there a book that’s played in important role in your development?

My favorite classic art books are “The Art Spirit” by Robert Henri and “The Artist’s Handbook of Materials and Techniques” by Ralph Mayer. My mentor gave me both copies to keep with me, and I bring them along whenever I travel. Another book I recently finished reading, and one of my favorites, is “The Artist’s Way” by Julia Cameron. This book transformed my perception of the creative process and inspired me to dream bigger. I recommend it to anyone experiencing creative doubt and in need of a boost of inspiration.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://kathrynblommel.wixsite.com/kathrynblommel
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/kathrynblommelart/?hl=en