Kathy's journey to art began as a way to take care of herself and has now become a journey guided by intuition and synchronicities. "In 2003 after several years of constant migraines, I realized that I had to get serious about my quality of life." A busy stay-at-home mother with two daughters, a husband, carpools, after school activities, church and school events, Kathy often felt tired and scattered. "I was so busy that I was unable to focus on one activity or become completely involved in any one activity. Being able to immerse myself in what I'm doing-what's right in front of me-is a freedom that I hadn't been able to enjoy.

Kathy chose a watercolor class as her introduction to art. Through friends Kathy observed the pleasure and therapy that art can offer. "I saw that art could provide me with time for myself. I didn't know it then, but there is a spiritual dimension to art that's more important than what actually comes out on the canvas. The true purpose of art for me is taking care of myself and better understanding myself."

Later she decided to take a class in acrylics at the Memphis College of Art. She opened her first tube of acrylic paint in that class and struggled with her first project-painting a little tree. When she couldn't get the image she wanted, she added another layer of paint and began rubbing out colors. This led to discovering a style of painting that involves building layers of transparent color and added texture. She often puts on as many as 30 layers of paint. "We all have multiple layers from every age and experience in our lives. It's the accumulation and complexity of the layers that give us richness."

Another technique Kathy uses is to spray the layers of paint with water and let the paint flow. "I love to watch two colors blend together and create a third color, and then see the variations of the new color. After spraying the water I turn the canvas around and watch as it almost paints itself. When the paint runs up, it's positive. When it runs in a diagonal, it's full of energy."

As Kathy continued painting, she found that opportunities and people who could help her became available. "It's as if doors I didn't even know were there opened. Although I am sometimes nervous or unsure about taking the risk, I have found that the people and events I need are always there for me. And, I can't wait to see what happens next."

Even though Kathy has enjoyed the public recognition of her work, her art remains very personal. When she's painting she says that she forgets about everything else and loses track of time. "If I have a migraine that's beginning, I can start painting and the pain goes away. I feel relaxed and refreshed even if the piece doesn't go well. It's also very energizing, and I love the fulfillment I get from expressing my creativity." 

Kathy hopes that other people will also enjoy her paintings. "I would feel successful if the viewer felt a small part of what I feel when the colors blend. I'd love for someone to look for what I've hidden behind other layers of color because all the colors tell a story. The canvas size and the texture are both a part of the story. I would like for people who see my art to let their eyes hear what I'm feeling-just for a few moments-and perhaps understand something they've never understood before."

Kathy's art can be found locally at Tadporters and Art Showroom, in a new restaurant in Southaven, at a local bank, at Suhae Gallery in Fort Lee, New Jersey, and with collectors across the country. She will be featured on HGTV's "Designer's Challenge" which was filmed in Memphis.

Dana Siler, a friend of Kathy's and a patient at West Clinic, interviewed Kathy for this article. Kathy has donated a painting in honor of Dana's five-year survival of ovarian cancer. "I wanted to give something back to Kathy for how she honored me with a donation to the permanent collection at West Clinic. I also felt like people would be interested in how she found her way to creating art and developing her skills and style."

http://kathrynabernathyart.com/