Kate is the talented & creative gal behind Chicaloo Kate ~ finding the balance between snark and inspiration one quote at a time. Kate has been crafting seriously for over 15 years, but she has been interested in the visual arts since childhood. She is drawn to found and repurposed objects. Her recycled album art uses pieces of pop culture history to turn items past their prime into useful and fun accessories. Her latest venture, inspired by some of the best lines ever spoken, fills her space here at Yellow Door with quote magnets, coasters, notepads, prints, and now mugs.
What is your favorite piece of work that you have created? (see pic above).
This changes all the time, but here is what I am liking right now. It was a photo I took in Philadelphia and was then run through a few filters.
What are your goals for the future, both artistically and in life?
One of the major goals I have for ChicalooKate is to make people laugh. I remember working in a gift shop and hearing people laugh at all the different cards and thought that I wanted to be able to do that.
Personally, my goals are fairly similar and they are to find joy where I can and where I can’t to try and create it. I don’t always have time to volunteer to causes that are important, but I started donating part of the proceeds to organizations that I admire the work of and want to continue to do that in the coming years.
What are you currently working on?
Right now I am trying to stock up for all my holiday shows. So, it is a lot of printing and packaging.
Do you have any other interesting hobbies or maybe a fun story about an experience involving your artwork?
Friends often tell me that they see my work out in the wild. One friend told me she was talking to the counselor at her son’s school and she had my magnets all over her office. Or another friend was at a wedding and they had one of my prints near the guest registry. Sort of like 6 Degrees of Kevin Bacon.
What is your strongest memory of your childhood?
One of the memories that stands out for me is just how creative my dad was and how he was always working on new things. He did beekeeping, stained glass, brewed beer, woodworking and numerous other crafty pursuits. He was very patient in explaining what he was doing. He still trying new things out and that is one of my other goals.
What jobs have you done other than being an artist?
So many jobs. I have worked in libraries, bookstores, video stores, clothing stores, gift shops, toy department at Meijer, various fast food restaurants. Also, I spent part of a summer working at a newspaper compiling inserts to put in the Sunday papers.
Do you have any tips or inspiring words for others?
Whenever someone tells me that they aren’t creative, and I hear that a lot, I tell them they just need to finish something. If you can’t figure out where to start, find a kit to work on. Not everyone is naturally creative, but once you finish something the next thing is easier. And sometimes you just need to play, not everything has to be a masterpiece.
Where do you gather most of your inspiration for your artwork?
Everywhere. I am constantly searching for new ideas.
What is your favorite...
Color: Purple
Pet and/or animal: Sloths and Sea Otters are my favorites, but Fiona the Hippo is pretty special
Season: Fall
Movie: Clue, Drop Dead Gorgeous, Hot Fuzz
Board game: Cards Against Humanity (not a board game, but it is my favorite.)
Holiday: Besides Christmas? National Pasta Day which is also my birthday which I think is appropriate.
Website: Pajiba http://pajiba.com
Best cup of coffee: Diet Coke all the way… and the best place to get it is McDonald's.
Ice cream: Salted Caramel
What superpower would you have and why?
Can I get super speed? Because I would love to be able to get more done in less time.
What's the best piece of advice you've been given?
Not to be so tough on myself, to give myself a break now and again.
What’s one thing you can’t live without?
Books and Diet Coke if I can have 2
What has been the best cultural event you visited in the past year?
I saw Rhiannon Giddens in concert and it was just amazing. She recently won a MacArthur Genius grant and I believe it is well deserved.
You can find more of Kate's quirky & cool quote items at Yellow Door and online.