Loving Life: Artist Kal Barteski

She loves life and creates art every day. This is, in fact, her core, as she tells us. She is one busy woman making art daily, being a new mom, becoming a baby book author, being a photographer, getting ready to teach, and continue to inspire so many of us while still being who she is, Kal Barteski. Her bulletproof positive attitude is contagious. Her vibrant energy travels as fast as light. One can't help to just LOVE her and her fabulous artful creations. This is why I am so very happy to share this interview which she so candidly agreed to do with us.

As an artist, a woman and now a mother; what is the single most important thing in your life that keeps you motivated in your search for creative expression?

Ouch! You started right off the top with a hard question... It's part of my core to create - it has nothing to do with being an 'artist' or a woman or a mother and everything to do with just being who I am... I'm not sure it that makes any sense at all - but, I don't paint or create to try to fill quotas or sell canvasses. I paint and I move when the mood strikes me - and it strikes me a lot. It's who I am and how I operate. There's a need within my art - like breathing.

I know create in more ways than one, what is your favorite medium, if you could pick just one?   

If I had to pick only one medium that would be like choosing to see through only one colour - or visit one place. I believe that media are just tools to express a basic need - a basic art - a communication of life. Like breathing. I would say that I feel most comfortable in paint, pencil crayons, chalks and pens. I'm comfortable with words. I like to work on papers, woods, canvasses and boards. I like to work with my hands but, I also work digitally and with photography... That said - if I had to pick just one medium or you would kill me - then I would say paint.

Who, or what, are the major influences in your art?

I was pretty traditional growing up. I liked to paint wildlife. I liked to paint what I saw. I studied Bateman, Carr, O'Keefe - until I got to college where I ran into the works of Basquiat. He sort of ripped opened a new deal for me - art with WORDS and attitude and a rawness that moved me so much more than anything I had seen before. From his work, I learned to paint what I felt. I went to design school and learned (and loved) the idea of language as a visual form. I loved his total unapologetic way of looking at things. I loved his courage.

Some people are lucky to know from a very young age what they want the rest of their life to be, and others must take a few years to discover their calling. When did you know that you were meant to be an artist?

I don't know that people are meant to be anything in particular - I know that creating brings me a level of peace and happiness that I don't find in other activities. There's a freedom in putting yourself into a painting that's hard to replicate within a conversation or an equation... I've always known that this was my passion and this is what I did best and this is what drew people towards me. I consciously decided that this was how I would earn my living.

Can you imagine your life without the benefit of self expression through your art?

After reading this question - I actually tried. Really hard. The answer is no.

Are there any other artists in your family?

My mom is very creative. She's a crafter. She sews. She decorative paints a little, too. My brother is an amazing photographer. My dad - he's got a hidden creative side. It's hidden really, really deep - but, I'm sure it's there.

I understand that there is a fun class at BPS going on in which your book will be one of the books of the month…when will your book be featured and can people still sign up for that? Will you be participating in this class with any projects or ideas?  Or will you be popping in the message boards?

I consider myself over-the-top lucky that BPS has chosen my book to be a part of their Reading Room. It was Tena Sprenger's idea and I am so grateful. High five to Tena. As far as I know - my book will be featured in the month of May and I will definitely be participating with them in a couple of different ways. I'll ABSOLUTELY be visiting the message boards and checking out what people think and where they go with their own creations after taking a look at LoveLife - Collected. I'm excited and a little bit nervous, too!

I also know there is a really fun event coming up in April in which you will be teaching.  Can you share a little about your class projects?

SO exciting. I'll be a part of Donna Downey's Inspired. Artist Workshops out in North Carolina. Donna has put together an intense and super creative weekend that brings together all different forms of art. I'm stoked about being included in something that's a little bit outside of my comfort zone. I'm not a scrapbooker - but, I am often inspired by the techniques and bits that I see. I love people and I'm totally looking forward to sharing some of my ideas and learning about some of theirs. I'm really looking forward to seeing what happens when my classes start unleashing their artist Selves. It's going to be an incredible weekend. Bulletproof positive attitude will be in full effect. If you haven't registered - you should.

What other future plans do you currently have that you can share now? Any more art exhibitions coming up?   Or any other books on the works?

I'm currently taking a vacation from the LoveLife project. That's hard to admit - but, I needed some time to refocus and reevaluate and re-energize. Regroup. It's definitely not something I've completely stopped or forgot about - it's a very, very big part of me. I'm also hoping for an exhibition some time next fall.

I remember the "It's All About the Shoes" art you created last year.  Do you still have any of those art pieces for sale? Will prints of those art pieces be available for sale anytime soon?

I have a few shoe pieces left from last year's show. Prints are currently available of all of the shoe paintings through my site.

I love the enthusiasm and bullet proof positive attitude that spills all over your blog, have you always been that way?

Yes. If you mean 'have I always been all over the map and going a million miles an hour' and 'not all that interested in negative-nancy's and debbie-downers'? Then the answer is definitely Yes.

Does anything make you angry?

Plenty. All kinds of things all that time. Lately - I get really ticked off when I hear people blaming their kids, their mates or their schedules for their lack of creativity or momentum in following their dreams. If you need something - make it happen. It's simple.

What gives you the biggest smile?

I'm pretty smiley most of the time.

Who are you favorite people in the world and why?

My husband rocks - he's ridiculously supportive and just one heck of a human being. Our baby daughter is pure marvelousness. She amazes me every single day. Those two people keep me sparkling.

Do you ever get artist block?  If so, what do you do to spark your creativity?

I don't call it artist block, but I hear what you're saying and yes - sometimes I get stalled or have trouble finding the magic for a particular project. My solution is to keep moving. Keep creating. Move onto something else and then move back - creative ninja style. Write it down - there is generally something stalling me - usually fear - when I identify it I can clearly and confidently kick it in the ass and carry on. ;)

What do you see yourself doing 20 years from now?

Easy. Make stuff - everyday.

Thank you so much Kal for sharing your answers with us!

Comments

[Molly]

thank you for such a fun and revealing interview with the ever-energetic Kal.

[amanda]

great interview! love this blog, and love kal!!

[Ronda P.]

I so love love love KAL! Great interview with some hard hitting questions!