Meet Caitlin Tongish | Artist

We had the good fortune of connecting with Caitlin Tongish and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Caitlin, why did you decide to pursue a creative path?
Creating is a part of me. Whether it is making a card for a friend of painting a mural. When I’m not creating it feels like a part of me is missing and I have nowhere to put all of my ideas. It was a no brained decission!

Alright, so let’s move onto what keeps you busy professionally?
I am a painter and thread artist. Sowing and beading into my art has been a technique that sets me apart . I try to execute it in a fresh and crisp formate.

When I started I produced a lot of unsuccessful art or pieces I ended up giving away. Although that percentage has decreased it is still an ongoing process. I have learned that trial and error will always a part of creating. Initially it was a hard learning a large chuck of my work will never be seen but now I have embraced that process and creating is creating no matter the products outcome.

Creating art is a labour of love. It is still a challenge today to juggle my day job with my night job and passion. During the day I ski patrol and am always learning but at night I am learning my craft and how to manage my on business. My art is inspired by the great outdoors and when I work in the mountains during the day it inspires me. Although it’s a constant juggle act, both jobs feed each other.

If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
I live in Breckenridge and love time outside. In the summer the mountain bike trails that leave right from Breckenridge are amazing. Late night happy hour downstairs at the Carlin has the best cocktails in town. Breck create has some amazing art classes and 10 mile music hall in frisco has some great bands.

The Shoutout series is all about recognizing that our success and where we are in life is at least somewhat thanks to the efforts, support, mentorship, love and encouragement of others. So is there someone that you want to dedicate your shoutout to?
I am lucky to have received so much support from friends and family who have encouraged me over the years. About a decade ago a fellow artist, Andrew Dengate, encouraged me to do a small local show and I am grateful as that was the kickstart that got me back into creating.

Instagram: @Caitlintongishdesigns