Today we’d like to introduce you to Kathleen Miller.
Kathleen, can you briefly walk us through your story – how you started and how you got to where you are today.
I began drawing and painting at a very young age and was greatly influenced by the working artists in my community. Growing up in the oldest Art Colony in the country, I had the opportunity to study with many well-known artists, both in my area and beyond. I always painted for pleasure, without the intention of pursuing it professionally. I went to school and received a Master’s Degree in Counseling and Psychology and went on to do training in Art Therapy. I continued studying art and creating independently during my time in school and my full-time work as a therapist. It was very rewarding to see the healing components of art in a therapeutic setting, but I kept feeling more and more driven to create art simply for art’s sake, not with any other goal in mind.
Things changed when I stopped working due to illness in my early 30’s. When I was unable to work, I committed as much time and energy as I was able to further my artistic passion and abilities. Drawing, painting, and simply creating became a healing component in my own life. After a couple of years, I was well enough to return to work, and at the same time, my passion for art began to turn into a career of its own. After showing in several galleries and various art shows, I decided it was time to dedicate myself full time to my passion. And in order to do that, I had to take the business side of things seriously. I decided to open a gallery in Rockport with my partner (also an artist) and take the plunge! That was over five years ago, and the business (and, more importantly, my art) has been taking off since then. I think it often takes a major life event to bring your true purpose to light.
Great, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
It definitely hasn’t been a smooth road! From health problems to the financial concerns that often accompany being a full-time artist, there have been many ups and downs. And although I’m trained as an artist, there’s been a huge learning curve to becoming a businesswoman as well! However, the big picture is always improving, and it’s unbelievable rewarding to live a life that is so true to who you are as a person.
Art Nook Gallery – what should we know? What do you guys do best? What sets you apart from the competition?
I own a small Art Gallery in Rockport, MA (less than an hour north of Boston). I sell not only my work, but the work of my partner Stefan Mierz, and local artist Lawrence Martin-Bittman. Every piece that we sell is a unique, original creation. Stefan, Lawrence and I infuse each of our pieces with our own individual vision. When you come to our gallery, you get to step into another world created by the artists.
What moment in your career do you look back most fondly on?
When we reached our 5 year Business Anniversary this past July 1st, the accomplishment really set in. I see accomplishment every day in my art, but to see that it can be what supports my life inspired a very deep feeling of gratitude.
Pricing:
- Original pieces range in price. Small works often go for $75-$500 and large works range from $1,000-$10,000.
- Prints and gift items are available from $5-$50.
Contact Info:
- Address: 58 Bearskin Neck
Rockport, MA 01966 - Website: www.art-nook.com
- Phone: 978-546-0056
- Email: info@art-nook.com
- Instagram: @artnookgallery
- Facebook: www.facebook.com/theartnook
Image Credit:
Kathleen Miller
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