Meet Kaitlyn Metcalf | Artist & Adventurer

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

Hi Kaitlyn, what led you to pursuing a creative path professionally?
I fell in love with the arts at a very young age. Growing up in New Orleans, artistic expression was all around me and I saw how it could make a meaningful difference on a daily basis. Life in New Orleans is constantly full of color and sound, which I had not realized until moving away is unique to such a creative city. I knew I wanted to be part of that beautification process which brings joy and light to life. Not everywhere is like New Orleans, but every place has something just as unique and vibrant to be celebrated. Being present, observant and able to translate these occasions of quiet beauty into art feels significant to me. More importantly, I want to share these poetic moments with others. In my paintings, I create visual reminders that the world is a big, beautiful place full of wonder that can sometimes go unseen unless you take the time to look for it.

Alright, so let’s move onto what keeps you busy professionally?

My art practice has morphed many times over the years. I started my career by painting boats on charts of the waters they sail. I had just moved to coastal Maine and found myself enamored with charts and all things marine. Maine is an enchanting place that I find myself continually entranced by. The coastline & bold sea, the forest & twinkling night sky above, the history of the local people & creatures, but especially what lies within Acadia National Park. At any given time one or more of these subjects is one my easel being painted.

Over the years, travel has become another source of inspiration in my work. I always travel with a sketchbook and am constantly sketching out all my new ideas. One of the more interesting collections that has stemmed from my travels is a series all about nudibranchs, which are small, brightly colored sea slugs. And now I find myself challenged with how to integrate experiences from my travels and the magic I find living in Maine into one. Which I have to say is keeping me very busy in the studio.

I am most proud to say that after having graduated from art school 17 years ago, I am still painting, creating and selling my art. For many years I worked multiple jobs to sustain my art practice. Art is hard, but when you connect with someone through your art, that is one of the most rewarding experiences. Whenever I feel stuck, I always read a letter Sol LeWitt wrote to Eva Hesse on how to move past self-doubt and out of a rut. Essentially, just DO.

So, I continue to create more art, explore alternative materials, feed my curiosity, travel to new places and engage more within my own community the best way I know how, through my art.

Let’s say your best friend was visiting the area and you wanted to show them the best time ever. Where would you take them? Give us a little itinerary – say it was a week long trip, where would you eat, drink, visit, hang out, etc.

Living in Maine near Acadia National Park, there is no shortage of amazing activities to do. Here’s a list of what I’d make sure my best friend would see and do while in town.

– Hike in Acadia’s magical woods with the mountain top views of the ocean.
– Take a sunset sail to catch the stunning colors in the sky.
– Have a beach campfire while tuning into WERU, my favorite community radio station in Maine.
– Eat all the blueberries!
– Keep an eye out for things that glow: fireflies in the spring and bioluminescence in the fall.
– Sit under the stars. Maine has one of the most amazing night skies, so this is not to miss!
– Visit the rural areas along the coast to get a taste of authentic Maine life.
– Check out the art scene by visiting some of my favorites in the area: Center for Maine Contemporary Art, Farnsworth Art Museum and Abbe Museum.

But most of all, take in and relish the way life should be.

Who else deserves some credit and recognition?

Family, first and foremost. My parents provided me every opportunity I needed to succeed, even when it seemed like the most challenging path to follow, and for that I am eternally thankful. I am also beyond grateful to have found such a remarkable, willing and loving partner in my husband, Ryan. I am grateful to spend my life with someone who enjoys seeing the world as uniquely as I do. He is my biggest supporter and greatest love.

Also, I cannot express enough how important my teachers have been to my development and fostering such a love of the arts. I was lucky enough to attend the New Orleans Center for Creative Arts, which helped solidify my decision to continue pursuing a higher education in art. This school opened my mind and expanded my universe of possibilities. A few of my most influential teachers have been Judy Walker, Caroline Macdonell, Ann Schwab and Ellen Lesperance. I feel fortunate to have learned from these strong, intelligent women what it means to truly see the world around me.

Website: www.MossKeepStudio.com

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/kaitlynmetcalf_art/