Conversations with Kati Kleimola

Today we’d like to introduce you to Kati Kleimola.

Hi Kati, it’s an honor to have you on the platform. Thanks for taking the time to share your story with us – to start maybe you can share some of your backstories with our readers.
Art has always been a part of my life. All of my favorite childhood memories involve exploring nature and making art. I had my first “art show” when I was seven. I lined our patio with all of my paintings and drawings and invited my family and neighbors. The moment a neighbor handed me a dollar for one of my portraits, I was hooked. I’m basically still living out my childhood dreams.

I studied fine art at Columbus College of Art and Design for two years and then finished my degree in art education at The University of Toledo. The marrying of the two schools provided me with a strong foundation for my art and a degree that allowed me to teach. For eight years, I taught art at a small private pre-k through 8th-grade school. As my life became full with a husband and 5 children, finding time to create became harder. I eventually made the decision to leave my teaching position to pursue art full-time.

We all face challenges, but looking back would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?
It takes a certain amount of stubbornness to be a professional artist. I’m sure there are roads I could have taken that would have led to an easier way to make a living, but I have always had this intrinsic desire to create. Because of that desire and stubbornness, I’ve found ways to make art even when it wasn’t easy. I had my first child when I was 20, so motherhood has been very intertwined with my art-making. After having my 4th child, I was really struggling to find time to create. My life was busy taking care of young children.

One day, I was talking with an artist friend, much older than me, and she told me not to worry about making art, and that I would find the time to make art again after they were grown. Those words that were meant to comfort me, instead made my heart sink. I knew I couldn’t wait 18 years. That stubbornness kicked in and I somehow found a way to create again in the tiny margins of a busy life. In doing so, my children have been able to see firsthand what it looks like to chase your curiosities and dreams.

Thanks – so what else should our readers know about your work and what you’re currently focused on?
I am enthralled by the magic of nature. Each day there are subtle shifts in life outside that catch my eye and spark my inspiration. I choose to live and create harmoniously with the seasons the best I can. I paint peonies in the spring and sunflowers in the fall.

It’s my way of grasping moments of time and keeping them alive in my paintings. Along with painting, I host creative workshops throughout the year. Giving others the opportunity to step away from the routine of everyday life to tap into their creative side brings me great joy.

What are your plans for the future?
This year has been a big change for me.

For the first time in 17 years, all of my children are in school full time, so my margins to create have greatly expanded. The extra time and quiet studio have allowed me the headspace to think about new work. I have new paintings that I am excited about and plan to teach even more workshops in 2023.

Contact Info:

• Website: KatiKleimola.com
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/kati_kleimola/