Kate Long Stevenson is an abstract expressional painter. Each piece of art Kate paints, whether it is an abstract or figurative, Kate says “It all comes from a feeling, but then the challenge is not only to translate that to the canvas but to have it make sense, compositionally.” To create such breathtaking paintings, Kate truly must have some of the most unbelievable feelings. Her paintings show how energetic and fun life is. We think you are going to love reading about her childhood and her two little darling boys that make her world turn.
1. When you were little, what did you want to be when you grew up?
“I always was immersed in the arts, so anything from an actress to ballerina, violinist to author…I aspired to be a fashion designer in high school, and then pursued studio art much more seriously in college. And, above all else, I wanted to be a mother.”
2.To be successful you must love what you do; what do you do and why do you love it?
“I couldn’t agree more! I’m an abstract expressionist painter. I love being creative, and much of my work is musically inspired, so the process of painting really touches a lot of passions for me. It’s gestural, emotional, liberating and challenging. It’s also wonderful to have a career where I can quench that creative drive and also spend a lot of time at home with my two sons. I feel very fortunate in attempting to balance both.”
3. How would Vogue describe your baby style back in the day?
“Classic, Southern and practical. Not too many frills, and as much primary as pastel. I’ve always been very feminine, but my childhood wardrobe wasn’t prissy. Lovely dresses (Florence Eiseman etc), always a hair bow, but not too much of this and that. My love of shoes was not indulged until much later :)”
4. Was there an item or accessory you recall disliking, but were forced to wear?
“When I was around 4, my mom wouldn’t let me have a pair of black patent leather, pointy toe with a bow on the front, optional strap party shoe (picture Michelle Tanner from Full House). I was relegated to a simple patent English Mary Jane. Of course the shoe I wanted was VERY 80s princess, and the one I wore instead is still such a sweet classic. Mom knew best!”
5. In fashion blogger style, tell us about your child’s look.
“As babies, my sons both wore beautiful traditional English-looking clothes. Gowns galore, bubbles, sun suits, little French separates… Now they’re very opinionated about what they wear and are 100% boy. I try to keep the selection simple and classic with collared shirts, Converse, simple sweaters and the occasional sailor suit with saddle oxfords for formal occasions, but most of the time they dress themselves and their pairings are pretty comical. Also, it’s not an effort to be cute, but I dress them alike often because my younger son loves to look like the older one. Crew Cuts is a great resource these days.”
6. Since it’s #TBT, tell us your favorite “vintage” fashion icon.
“Definitely Grace Kelly. It’s a testament to her timeless style that most everything she wore is still current, coveted and copied.”
