Meet Katie Truk

We’re excited to introduce you to the always interesting and insightful Katie Truk. We hope you’ll enjoy our conversation with Katie below.

Katie, so great to have you with us and we want to jump right into a really important question. In recent years, it’s become so clear that we’re living through a time where so many folks are lacking self-confidence and self-esteem. So, we’d love to hear about your journey and how you developed your self-confidence and self-esteem.

After graduating for college I drove across the United States. Coming from New Jersey we were taught to mind our business, put your head down, work hard and not trust anyone. Right away I started having car trouble. My clunker of an automobile must have broke down in almost every state. Some areas I became stranded with no place to stay. I learned how wonderfully helpful and kind most people are. Most people want to help, and are willing to donate their time and abilities for their fellow human. A smile, a thank you and eye contact can get you very far in this world.

Being an artist it’s difficult to believe that anything you make is worth a second glance. Every state I traveled through I was exposed to our differences in beliefs, in culture, and in climate. I realized that in this huge world we live in every voice adds the color to our existence. There is a crowd for everything, you just have to find your audience. If the Spam Museum can be successful in Wisconsin, someone out there will love your paintings or sculptures. Make yourself happy. Be proud of what you do and others will be attracted to your light.

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 make artwork out of pantyhose. Yes you read that right. I having being sewing together pantyhose sculptures for over twenty five years. Thought the materiality of pantyhose I create microscopic views of my internal female microcosm. Each piece is truly three dimensional with textures, colors, and shadows that differ upon viewpoint or display.

Teaching also brings me great joy. I teach ceramics, paper mache, drawing, painting and mixed media to people of various ages. Whether in person or virtually I feel blessed to share my creativity with others.

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?

Be curious
Be kind
Be productive

Ask questions, often. Don’t know, find out. Being informed makes you better prepared and more respected.

You get more honey than with vinegar, as the saying goes. Everyone wants a happy working environment. No one wants to deal with a grumpy or mean individual. You can only be in control of you and how you react. How you treat people is
your legacy.

The first time you do something or make something will be difficult. Get through it. Don’t linger. Finish. I promise the next version will be easier and more rewarding. Get through it and keep creating. If a piece sits for too long, throw it away of repurpose it. Start afresh. You are not the same person that started that piece, so start another. Keep going!

Before we go, maybe you can tell us a bit about your parents and what you feel was the most impactful thing they did for you?

My parents always believed in me. They trusted my judgement. The one phrase they would always asked me growing up was, “Did you do your best?” You can only control you. Try your best. Your best will be different everyday. Being able to live with the choices you make in life will only help you sleep better at night. I am so thankful for their love and support.

Contact Info:

Image Credits

Truk image: Chelsea Valderas Visual art Center of NJ

All other images courtesy of Katie Truk

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