kathryn gage
Paint Happy
Let your mind soak in the colors, the feeling of being somewhere that brings you joy, the light and juxtaposition just right, & be at home with yourself.
Art has always been the plan...and the passion. I received a degree in Fine Art and Graphic Design from Auburn University (WAR EAGLE!) Soon I went to work as a graphic designer for a couple of agencies and eventually wound up at Cooking Light magazine where I served as Creative Director. (Later, I became an editor with the custom publishing division, working with Lowe's Creative Ideas magazine.) After getting hitched (to Matt — and having a couple of kiddos — Henry and Clara) we landed in Knoxville, TN where I worked as the Brand Manager for HGTV.com and later as an editor for City View Magazine.
But all along the way I was painting, showing in local galleries and participating in shows. I've also enjoyed doing logo design through the years for companies like Table Matters in Birmingham, and Hide-ees, based in Atlanta. I did lots of painting commissions (even murals), primarily for kids spaces. Then came stationery. During this time I did illustration work for Stacy Claire Boyd, some books for Penny Laine Papers, as well as some self-published books for other clients.
Next there was Clarabelle & the Hen. I began CB&H to put my illustration and design skills to use, and made personalized children's clothes and accessories for more than 10 years. Our products were featured in Garnet Hill catalog as well as Life and Style magazine when we made party favors for Bachelorette Emily Maynard's daughter Ricki's birthday party. NBC's Al Roker was a regular customer and CB&H also did the trunk show circuit across the country. There was no time to paint.
But now? I'm the creative director for a local company, Harvest Select and sister company, Steel City Seafood in Birmingham (part-time), and back to painting on the side, like the good old days. Lately it's been lots of houses, kids and pet portraits but also the exploration of where I am now from a style perspective. From watercolor, to acrylic, to mixed media, I'm just happy doing what I set out to do. Art.
