My Artistic Roots
Kathy A. Shute- Environmental Artist
Summary- I feel as though I was born as an artist..seeing the world in vivid color, and through a surreal perspective. Perhaps it’s the optimist in me that views life as a canvas to be painted in whatever way my adventurous nature inspires me!
It’s been my long term passion to create a special fine art collection, called Western Trails. When I started down this path, I didn’t realize how profoundly my experience would heighten my respect for nature, and teach me about the inter-connectedness we have to it.
With this unique perspective, I think of myself as an Environmental Artist –or ambassador for nature!
My Artistic Roots- My childhood in Southern California laid the foundation for my artistic eye. I was often brought to hike in the deserts with my family, who loved to go there to see cactus blooms. One of my first memories was of my dad holding a big desert tortoise!
We also went to Disneyland, where I was fascinated by the ‘disney-esque’ paintings that decorated the park. These fun trips brightened my world and fueled this growing artist.
My Artistic Training- Began in the fine arts with oil painting, where I attended classes given by a well-known local artist in Massachusetts. Over several years’ time, I created still-life paintings, which hang in Colonial homes in the area.
Next I learned graphic arts from my dad, Ernie Shute, who was a veteran sign painter and artist. I apprenticed under him for a few years, and when he left the area, I founded a custom sign company in Western MA. As the business grew I recruited my brother, Steve in as a partner.
We had lots of fun, and our sign creations were hand painted –using techniques such as carving, sandblasting, antiquing, marbling and gold leafing. During this time I was twice-published on the cover of a trade magazine.
After the unexpected death of our dad, I closed the sign shop and channeled my time into selling signs for a large company in NH. Eventually I left, and co-founded a merchandising display business. We designed and sold displays for companies such as Staples, Duracell, Wonder Bread, and Toys’R'Us.
In 1997 I grew restless of living in the East, and traveled back to my roots in southern California. There, my husband Rich and I settled into Orange County. With an abundance of business options I took a break from art, and focused in the workforce management field for several years, where I rounded out my management skills.
During this time I earned an A.S. in Marketing, and studied at the Interior Design Institute in Newport Beach, CA, where I earned an Interior Design Certificate, thinking of forging into that field as my next career.
- Member- Jean-Michel Cousteau’s Ocean Futures Society/Ambassadors of the Environment
- Founding Member - The Aspyrre Community: A unique coaching community for enterprising professionals
- Member- ASPCA: The Association for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals
- Volunteer- As an artist and host for the Catalina Environmental Learning Program
- Rich Kent- my husband, soul mate, and fellow trekker. He is also a photographer, web designer & web marketer, as well as a fellow writer and graphic artist. We’ve recently become business partners, and he’s my biggest art fan and supporter.
- My daughter, Heather Rice is a dedicated anthropological environmentalist, writer and leader, who’s encouraged my growing advocacy for our environment, organics, and our native heritage. She writes the descriptions for my artwork, adding her unique perspective to them. She also hikes with us and taught me to sculpt in clay.
- To my daughter, Jennifer Rice Collins, who shares my love of interior design, painting, organic cooking and family road trips. Her dedication to family helps keep us close across wherever we are.
- To my brother, Steve Shute, a true ‘Cowboy’, entrepreneur, and fellow Disney fan, who remains a source of creative inspiration to me.
- To my dad, Ernie Shute, whose life as an artist, Thoreauvian philosopher and writer has always been central to influencing who I am today.