The cat is finally out of the bag and in the form of Kathleen Jones and her CHINS! Obsessed with art since she was in diapers Kathleen’s love of all things creative propelled her into a career in the arts. In mixing her love of fashion magazines and re-decorating her room, Kathleen eventually combined all of her passions into a quirky and design-focused aesthetic that is all her own. With work that is one part still life, one part abstract; Kathleen’s style is the perfect blend of funky and sophisticated. After teaching high school art for 4 years, Kathleen took a leap of faith and transitioned to painting full time. And thank goodness she did. Kathleen is an incredible talent. We at Well + Wonder could not be more thrilled to announce the latest talent to join our team, Kathleen. We were lucky enough to sneak into Kathleen’s formal living room turned studio in Macon, Georgia home before her Well + Wonder debut. She was also gracious enough to let us fire off our Pardon Me rapid fire questionnaire. After browsing her release, get to know Kathleen better by reading her responses in our latest blog post Pardon Me, Kathleen Jones!
What is currently on your nightstand?
DUST! Haha I have two dogs that shed a lot so there is always dog hair. There is also a small stack of books (Ashley Longshore’s book, a Dali art book, etc) and two ceramic spotted greyhound figurines
Who is your biggest influence as an artist and why?
Oh gosh, such a hard question! There are so many influences- but Louise Nevelson and Salvador Dali were the first artists that I really responded to growing up, so I will stick with them. Could talk about this question all day but I won’t bore you with that haha!
Tell us about your childhood. What is the most memorable moment as a young person?
My childhood was fun. My most memorable moment was probably when I went to the High Museum for the first time. I was maybe 6th grade, and we went to see the Norman Rockwell exhibit. I mainly remember the feeling I had after going and looking at art- it was so magical and cool, it took almost a week for the butterflies to wear off.
If you could only have one supply in your art studio, what would it be and why?
Paint! I can figure everything else out
What is your favorite room in your house?
Describe it. My den. It was the ugliest room in the house when we bought it, but it is directly in between our bedroom and the kitchen, so it is the obvious place that we spend the most time. We have done a lot of work to it- hardwood floors, painted the walls a blush tone, hung more art, so now it feels warm and cozy and I love snuggling with my dogs and hubs in there
What is your biggest score online?
My couch and loveseat! I am a lover of craigslist and I scroll through it on the regular. I recently found a couch and loveseat in mint condition with the same southwest embroidered upholstery as the furniture I had growing up. 85 bucks.
What is the benefit of buying art through a collective?
I love buying from a collective because it can be a one-stop shop. Even if you are new to appreciating art- a collective is curated in a way where if you like one artist, you will probably discover other artists that you love. Everything is there for you. If you are new to buying original art, my biggest advice is to listen to your gut! When you emotionally respond to a work of art, then that is the art that you want to surround yourself with. Don’t spend too much time worrying if it will match your couch or if people won’t get it or whatever- surround yourself with art that makes you FEEL.
If you have the entire day to spend in an art museum, which one and why?
So this is a tie between the Whitney in NY and the Musee D’Orsay in Paris. I had a great day at the Whitney by myself two summers ago and I just want to chase that feeling, you know? But the collection at the Musee D’Orsay is like meeting celebrity after celebrity to an art history nerd like myself. Plus the museum restaurant is a treat in itself J
What is your favorite hotel and what makes it special?
I recently stayed at the Hotel Clermont and it was the MOST fun! You get a beer when you check in, the decor is fabulous, there is an air of mischief- it’s basically living in a Wes Anderson movie which is my ideal situation on any given day.
If you were a lipstick color would you be red, pink, or clear and why?
RED! I have always been a red lipstick girl. I read an article one time where Cate Blanchett used to go bare-faced with red lips for her signature look because she thought it looked European. I guess it stuck with me.
I can never get on a plane without…
XANAX. Just kidding. I have to have my headphones to listen to music during take-off and then watch all the good free movies!
How did you get into the world of art?
I was always an artsy kid- I didn’t play sports so I took art lessons. I majored in it in college. But I guess my official debut would be last August when I quit my job teaching high school and got into Anne Irwin Fine Art’s emerging artist show. It’s been pretty crazy since then.
What do you do to relax?
Sometimes I am healthy about it and do yoga or go for a walk, sometimes I drink red wine and watch Siesta Key (don’t shame me, I am already very ashamed for watching that program. But I do it.) Just depends on if my mind needs the break or my body.
When do you get the biggest surge of inspiration?
Right before sleep when I am lying in bed. My husband says he knows when I am getting ideas because I start twitching involuntarily.
Prediction for the Color of 2019?
As we know, it is Living Coral- but I am also seeing a huge resurgence of lime green, especially in fashion. Am I the only one?
What is your idea of a date night?
Dinner and a movie or dancing all night? My husband and I are lovers of the food and the drink- so going to one of our favorite ATL eateries for dinner and drinks is always our date of choice. Concerts are also a favorite.
Tell us about your favorite painting that you have created.
The original CHIN painting is probably my favorite. It was a strange idea that took a lot of mental work for me to sort out, but it felt so satisfying to complete- like having a baby almost. I know that is cliché to say, but it’s true. That painting is a part of me and I am very proud of it.
One piece of advice for buying original art?
DO IT! I know it is tempting to get the knock-off at Target and it is perhaps easier on the wallet- but you will tire of those pieces quickly because they have no heart. No trace of the artist. As I said earlier, you want to buy art that makes you feel. Art that you treasure and that your kids and grandkids will fight over after you are gone. It will enrich your life and that is worth the investment.
