Artist Profile: Kippi Leonard

Name: Kippi Leonard

Current City/Neighborhood: EVERETT

Your Medium/Craft: Alcohol Inks/Mixed media painting

Years doing your craft: 5

How did you first get started in your craft?

When traveling solo to Italy in September of 2013 where I believe, a brief moment of seeing the discarded carvings of Michelangelo in the Museo dell' Academia brought me a passionate desire to not just decorate homes but to create the art I would so often place with my clients.

My return from that life changing trip was marked by purchasing charcoal and pastels determined to create a future for myself filled with learning and growing as an artist.

My love of travel to Italy nourishes my creativity, it has been the inspiration for many of my paintings. I create at my art studio in the Georgetown area of Seattle.

Favorite Artist(s) and/or Inspirations?

Matisse, DaVinci and Botticelli are very inspiring and absolutely magnificent.

Favorite Piece You've Created?

A triptych of green inks on wood panels covered in resin for a client this past year.

What’s the most challenging part of being an artist, or something you had to overcome?

The largest challenge for me has been the short amount of time I've been creating art and now being in galleries. I'm still discovering my style and I experiment with many mediums.

I think, once an artist is known for a certain style it's what people want them to create. I’m always hoping people will appreciate and love my work as much as I do as it evolves and changes.

I am the new kid on the block in the Everett/Seattle art scene so I’m still learning about what kind of artist I want to be, the vision I have for my art and all the opportunities available.

How can people be supportive of the arts?

I'm finding Everett incredibly supportive of the arts. I work with the Schack Art Center with their field trip program in the spring and I am excited to see so many children and young people getting the opportunity to see the curated art shows and create art themselves during this event.

The Schack is a fantastic place that is very much a community art center and a prestigious art gallery. It's been my honor to volunteer, donate and support the arts there.

I would like to take this moment to let people know about the H'Arts Auction held yearly in February. People can purchase tickets and attend the event. There is a silent and live auction. The Schack Art Center is a non profit and they welcome donations and volunteer participation from the community.

Favorite place in Everett to eat?

Besides my house? ;) Kai Sushi is my fave in Everett. I also highly recommend Cafe Makario.

Favorite place in Everett to hang?

Howarth Park has a great off leash dog beach. We are there at least once a week.

Favorite quote and/or words to live by?

This has been my favorite quote since my solo Italy adventure in 2013. ( I added the "good food and travel")

“In order to lead a fascinating life, one brimming with art, music, travel, good food, intrigue, and romance, you must surround yourself with precisely those things.”— Kate Spade (and Kippi Leonard)

What's next for you?

I'm going to be teaching workshops in my new Georgetown art studio, doing some traveling private workshops while also working on my new body of work for January.

Where can people see more of your art?

www.kipleeart.com

I'm also currently showing at Michael Birawer Gallery in Pioneer Square Seattle, Fogue Gallery in Georgetown, Waxology in Everett, Oohla's Freemont and come January I'll be at the Co-op for the month.

I also have an open studio the second Saturday of every month in Georgetown for the artwalk. Lots of fun!

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