CREATIVE MOTHERHOOD: KATIE RIESCO
It’s no secret that we’re fans of Katie Riesco’s art. We use her paintings in photo shoots, source them for client projects, and display them prominently in our own homes. And the process videos she posts on her Instagram are breathtaking. (Literally. I often find myself holding my breath while watching her landscapes and line drawings take shape!)
Because Katie is a Fairfield, CT local (she even has a collection of Sasco Hill Beach paintings), we recently got to sit down with her for a socially-distanced chat about her background, process, and the way she balances life as an artist, mother, and oh yeah, a talented hairstylist too! Minds. Officially. Blown.
INTERVIEW WITH KATIE RIESCO
Hi, Katie! Can you tell us a little bit about your background in art?
I studied studio art in college and spent a year at the SACI College of Art & Design in Italy. Then I moved to New York and continued to paint and sell my artwork, while also studying and working with hairstylists Nick Arrojo and then April Barton, who is a “go-to celebrity hairstylist” for men in Noho. I just love the idea of peeking into people’s lives and stories, so my artwork at the time was very focused on that and on the human form. I used to attend these live jazz drawing sessions, with a band and a figure model. And back in 2005 I had an art show of pieces depicting local burlesque dancers.
How has your artwork changed & evolved since moving to the Connecticut coast?
I spend a lot of time at the beaches here, so I’m working on several series of beach landscapes, in addition to branching out into more abstract art. Pieces with white space and natural movement. I lived in cities for so many years. I yearned for nature and for space, and my seascapes celebrate the clarity I get from being outside by the water.
What about during COVID?
I’ve definitely been using art as a channel for any pandemic-related anxiety. My series of black-line paintings was born out of pent-up frustration needing an outlet. There’s just too much as a mom and too much going on in the world right now, so I’m really drawn to work that has more room to breathe.
How has motherhood impacted how your work?
I was talking about this with a friend recently. When you’re a mom, and you have limited time and space to work, it can actually be beneficial to the creative process. You’ve got to make fast choices and you don’t really have a lot of time for indecision, which is a good thing in art. If you’re mulling over things for too long, it doesn’t make for good work. Spontaneous action, making moves, taking risks, and then just having to go with it.
How do you incorporate art and creativity in raising your kids?
At the beginning of this whole thing [the pandemic], I took a roll of craft paper and covered half of my wall with it, so my boys could just go up and draw and color. It was like living art. We bonded over it as a family, and it changed the whole atmosphere in the house. It was a creative outlet for everyone. Plus, I got to watch my little one’s artistic abilities blossom day by day.
What’s next for you and your business?
My website will be launching soon, but for now, I have customers contacting me and purchasing through Instagram. I’m working on several new series and experimenting with new mediums. I’ve also just started renting space for hairstyling at a local salon suite in town. Clients can contact me through that Instagram account to book an appointment.
Thank you, Katie! We’ll be following along!
And because we love a sneak-peek at how other creative mothers live/work/create/balance/juggle, here are some of our favorite answers from Katie’s Questionnaire:
KATIE’S QUESTIONNAIRE
On My Nightstand:
Children’s books and papers for an online course I’m taking with artist Alice Sheridan.
On My Bathroom Vanity:
My make-up case, face wash, & Vichy moisturizer (the best mom-friendly substitute I’ve found for expensive European products).
On My Netflix Queue:
My husband and I have been working mostly at night, but we did start watching “Casa de Papel” or “Money Heist”. (He’s from Spain, and if I can find a show from there, he won’t fall asleep while we’re watching. Any American show and he’s snoring 15 minutes in!) And Peaky Blinders. Because Cillian Murphy.
On My Radio:
Where do I even begin?! Did I ever tell you about the time I worked on a punk music tour & lived on a tour bus all summer…
On My Design Wish List:
The Pelle Goosneck Chandelier from West Elm for my Dining Room. Recommended by Sasco Hill Studio!