Dear friends and collectors,
As March arrives, I’m writing to you from the emerald-green waters and cobalt sky line of Little Cayman in the Western Caribbean. This island’s slower rhythm, the ocean breeze, the waves on the reef, has reminded me that creativity blossoms not only in the studio, but also in rest and play. In this issue, I reflect on how stepping away can offer surprising insights into the creative process. I’ll also share some studio notes, upcoming shows, and a glimpse of what’s next!
Warmly,
Kathryn
Enjoying a bit of sun and sea in the Caymans.
Musings: Rest, Play, and the Creative Mind
We often imagine creativity as something born purely from work—hours in the studio, disciplined practice, and the steady pursuit of mastery. And of course, that kind of dedication is essential. But neuroscience and the study of creativity reveal something equally important: the mind also needs space to wander.
Periods of rest, play, and new experiences allow different parts of the brain to engage. When the mind is not actively focused on solving a problem, it begins to make unexpected connections. Ideas surface quietly, sometimes when we least expect them.
Here on Little Cayman, I’ve been reminded of how powerful that shift can be. The rhythms of the island are different from the rhythms of the studio. Mornings begin with the sound of waves breaking on the reef, and the day unfolds with sunlight, ocean breezes, and the vast horizon of sea and sky.
Something about being in a new environment recalibrates the mind. The colors, the light, the textures of this place all create subtle shifts in perception. Even though I’m far from the mesas and high desert landscapes that I paint, the experience of being immersed in a different landscape awakens a fresh awareness.
Creativity, it turns out, isn’t only about effort. It also lives in moments of stillness—when the mind is allowed to rest, absorb, and simply observe the world around it.
These pauses are not separate from the work. In many ways, they are part of it.
All work and no play makes for a dull mind. So, here’s me playing for a change!
Off The Easel | Featured Painting
I’ve painted Black Mesa a few times, and it’s always striking how its dark, almost black stone stands out against the pale desert. There’s a reason artists like Georgia O’Keeffe were drawn to this iconic spot. It’s part of the landscape near San Ildefonso Pueblo, just north of Santa Fe, and it’s always an inspiration for me. Just a glimpse of that mesa in the right light can spark a whole new painting.
Black Mesa Day, oil on canvas, 28”h x 22”w
