Kaitlyn Page is a 26-year-old, self-taught watercolor artist based in Erie, Pennsylvania. She enjoys exploring the depth and meaning with oneness with self, the psychology behind emotions and feelings, and man’s relationship to--and interconnectedness with--the natural world.
“I grew up in a very rural area where there wasn’t much of a focus on the arts, rather, I spent my childhood days outside observing nature, studying animals, and taking hikes,” said Kaitlyn.
“At the age of 10, I received my first set of art supplies – a colorful box of pastels that I became obsessed with. Although I immediately found myself in love with the craft, I never really pictured myself as a professional artist. Becoming an artist came with time, just as most good things do.”
"Becoming an artist came with time, just as most good things do."
For most of her life Kaitlyn had dreamt of being a biologist and her academic career reflected this endeavor. It wasn’t until she was a junior in high school that she even began to consider the idea of being an artist as a career. Even then, she had no idea how she would make money or where to begin. She applied to a few colleges, but ultimately decided to take the chance and do it all on her own.
“In a way, I think this was the best decision I could have made for myself,” she said.
"I have learned more about the ins and outs of the art world. I also began vending my art at music festivals during the summer months a couple of years ago. It’s always been a learning process and will continue to be so for the rest of my days."
Kaitlyn’s work is some of my absolute favorite and I was humbled to get the opportunity to connect with her over what artmaking means to her and how her artistic journey has evolved. What is obvious is that no matter where her art takes her, great things are ahead of her in her art career.
What does artmaking mean to you?
As an individual who is often at a loss for words, especially in regard to understanding my own emotions and how to fully express them, making art takes those feelings and emotions within me and translates them into something tangible. Art making has always been my greatest means of self-expression. The art speaks for me when words can’t. It gives a voice to my inner turmoil, my inner joy, and other shared emotional expressions.
"Art making has always been my greatest means of self-expression."
How long have you been creating?
I’ve always had a fondness for creative outlets – before I was painting, I was playing piano, dancing, making crafts, and singing along to my favorite songs. As a young child, I was always drawn to colored pencils, markers, and any other form of 2D expression. However, I never took this very seriously.
At the age of 10 two important things happened; I acquired a free “How to Draw Animals,” book from my school library and a set of pastels from my parents for Christmas. These two things happened to align perfectly and soon I found myself in love with the idea of drawing. As an individual who has always strived for perfection, I wanted to “perfect” the art of drawing. I also had an artistic cousin who influenced me with their own work. I spent countless hours drawing. I would forget to eat, drink, or do pretty much anything except draw. I was introduced to watercolor painting around the age of 17, which soon transitioned into my favorite medium. One that I am still attempting to perfect.
"I’ve always had a fondness for creative outlets – before I was painting, I was playing piano, dancing, making crafts, and singing along to my favorite songs."
What inspires you?
Generally speaking, I am most influenced by life experiences, whether these are positive or negative. I have found most of my inspiration through travel and nature, but also through some heavy and traumatic experiences that I have fought throughout my life. I am also inspired by other artists and photographers, emotions, and, at times, dreams.
"...I am most influenced by life experiences, whether these are positive or negative."
How has creating art helped you navigate life’s challenges?
Growing up, I was never a “normal” child. I had a hard time making friends. I was bullied, and never quite “fit in.” Art was an outlet for me. It helped me to feel better because I was in my own world, doing something I loved, and blocked out the negatives that came with navigating a world I never felt was built for me. Later on, I was swept into an abusive relationship where I lost my urge to create. I lost who I was and everything I loved. I was very fragile when I emerged from this relationship. It took some time, but I almost immediately found myself creating again. I believe it helped me to process the trauma and abuse and live my best life again. All in all, I don’t think I would be where I am today without creating art.
"I believe it helped me to process the trauma and abuse and live my best life again. All in all, I don’t think I would be where I am today without creating art."
What’s your medium of choice? Why?
My medium of choice is watercolor. I want to achieve something in watercolor no other individual has achieved. When most people think of watercolor, they are reminded of “flowy,” abstract, translucent forms, such as landscapes, or soft portraiture, that most watercolor artists use this medium to achieve. I want to take this a step further by introducing both surrealism and realism into the mix – the idea of making something that isn’t translucent and is far from what most envision when they think of “watercolors.”
"My medium of choice is watercolor...I want to take this a step further by introducing both surrealism and realism into the mix..."
What are your favorite subjects or themes?
Eclectic portraiture, surrealism, natural elements, symbolism, and general “weirdness,” etc.
I would describe my work as being based in the surreal, psychedelia, and reality. I try to use these elements to create an ethereal and otherworldly realm where the metaphysical and natural world meet.
I’ve always had a strong love for nature, meticulous detail, mysterious symbolism, and surrealism, which can often be found in my work.
"I’ve always had a strong love for nature, meticulous detail, mysterious symbolism, and surrealism, which can often be found in my work."
How do you know when your painting is done?
I find it to be more of a “feeling.” I tend to look my piece up and down several times before determining whether I find it to be “complete.” But when is an art piece ever really complete? I think you can always add more but there isn’t always a need for it. It also depends on your stylistic choices within a piece.
"...when is an art piece ever really complete?"
When you are working through problems in your work, who do you talk to?
I always turn to my boyfriend. He is generally very helpful in seeing something from a different perspective than I am. I am grateful for him listening to me ramble on, sometimes for hours, about an issue I might be facing in my work.
"I always turn to my boyfriend."
What advice would you give to your younger self?
You will make it someday – never give up. There will be tears, there will be great frustrations, and there will be trials and tribulations. Keep doing what you love, branch out and try something new, don’t be afraid to fail. Failure only makes you better at what you do. Oh, and start posting your art on Instagram right after it’s released because the algorithms later on will be a hassle, haha!
"Keep doing what you love, branch out and try something new, don’t be afraid to fail. Failure only makes you better at what you do."
Anything else you’d like to share?
I was diagnosed with ASD (Autism Spectrum Disorder) at the age of 25. This helped me to understand why things have happened the way they have throughout my life and why I have found some things easier and some things much harder than the average person.
I don’t think I would be where I am with my art if it wasn’t for the way in which my brain processes information. My obsession with art from a young age can be attributed to being a “special interest.” I’ve always been someone who was driven by the idea of perfecting something. I’ve always loved tiny details. Details make my world go round and I think working in watercolors satisfies this part of my natural desire for these things. Every detail needs extreme attention and it’s the perfect challenge for someone like me.
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