Kathleen Ousley

Year of birth: 1964.
Where do you live: The Netherlands.
Your education: BFA Fashion / Minor in Art.
Describe your art in three words: textural / colorful / unique.
Your discipline: Acrylic paint / collage / photography.
Website | Instagram

Your work incorporates elements from vintage magazines, especially reflecting on female roles. What inspired you to use these elements, and what message do you aim to convey through them?

I think it’s important to remind people how limited women’s rights were in the past and how their roles have changed for the better. When I see vintage magazines with advertisements geared towards women as only housewives and mothers, it makes me appreciate how far we have come and still farther to reach to become equal. It’s good to be reminded of the past so we can move forward to the future. 

You mention that nature and solitude have greatly influenced your art. Could you share how these experiences shape your creative process and the themes in your work?

When I’m in nature I feel open and clear, no confines or restrictions from others. When I think creatively, about a theme or idea for a painting I put my mind in that place of nature where I’m not thinking how others react or want but just what freely comes to my mind. 

Kathleen Ousley | Pensive | 2024

Your style varies from abstract to representational. How do you decide which style to use for each piece, and what emotions or stories do you wish to evoke through these choices?

Whether it is representational or abstract, I don’t really decide one way or the other. I think it’s just when the mood strikes. I want the viewer to feel a sense of wonder, curiosity and contentment. 

With a background in fashion, interior design, and graphic design, how have these disciplines influenced your approach to creating visual art?

I have a degree in Fashion Design, so my background designing clothing / costumes has influenced me greatly in my art. When I make my collage / paintings I make patterns, small components,  assembling together like puzzle pieces making a whole image of different textures, colors and forms. It’s like designing an interior or dress.  

Kathleen Ousley | Orange Sherbet | 2024

Many of your works are modern architectural interiors. What draws you to these subjects, and how do they relate to your overall artistic vision?

I was exposed to modern architecture while living in Los Angeles and I was married to an architect. I grew a fondness for the simplicity andattention to detail modern / mid century architecture and art provokes. Los Angeles has been a place of forward thinking artists and architects: Neutra, Eames, Geary, Lautner, Hockney, Rauschenberg , Ruscha and many more are all present in Los Angeles. My vision is always inspired by this experience and these artists I had in Los Angeles.  I have a collection of Mid Century furniture that I will never be tired of, it’s timeless. Now living in Europe, I’m inspired by the different cultures and styles of architecture. There are so many beautiful ancient buildings and so much art from the Masters and beyond. My overall artistic vision is balance and harmony .  

Having worked as a gallery manager and curator, how has this experience impacted your perspective as an artist?

Working in the industry has shown and taught me a lot about the art world. I have been exposed to all types of art and through the years it has inspired me subconsciously I think. Curating exhibitions is my happy place, I love to put works together to showcase the style and emotions works can evoke, the same is when I design an interior with art and furniture. Textures, colors, light, forms all come together to create a space.

I gained experience selling artworks and know how important it is to market and advertise your work. I’m lucky to have this experience as an artist. It is a little tricky though representing yourself, it’s a lot easier when someone else does it. 

Kathleen Ousley | My Atelier | 2023

If you could create a new piece with no constraints—no limitations on time, budget, or materials—what would it look like?

Most of my work is created without constraints but when I’m forced to create with a deadline I actually like it, I love the pressure. 

If I would create a piece with unlimited resources I would probably do a huge colorful outdoor sculpture out of metal, a whirligig that moves with the air.  I love to see large artworks outside in nature. (Sculpture parks are my most favorite place).