The Journey Within

KatieLorraine

Interview by L. Valena

Via email April 24 - May 4, 2022

Can you please describe the prompt that you responded to?

The prompt I received was an impressive story titled “Wellspring Wondering” by Bailey Merlin. This piece describes the curiosity of a wandering soul in a desert world, in the beauty of life that nature provides for us.

What was your first reaction to it?

My first reaction when reading the story was that the author had eloquently described the natural curiosity of what could be over the horizon. When you are provided everything you need, why are we still driven to seek more, how we can use the lessons to provide a better future for generations to come leading with knowledge and sustainability.

Where did you go from there?

Where I went from there was to connect the experiences I have had backpacking through the jungles of Mexico in the last few weeks and the blessing we have from this earth to provide all we need. Studying the cultural and historical events of the past show that each time we have desired for more, we have overextended our resources to the point of failure. Curiosity and desire to improve, grow, beyond our ability to sustain can lead to defeat. The grass can always seem greener when you’re looking through a lens of hope, expectation and wanting. Living amongst the Mayans in the community Lacanja, being provided everything from food, medicine and entertainment from the natural world, it was overwhelming to return to the city and all of its luxuries. I created this piece to show the universe within ourselves, from the lotus flower and solar system within the turtle shell. The reflection is our internal mirror of how we see and perceive our surroundings. I used the horizon to represent seduction of what could be, whether it simply be a mirage or the growth needed.

I really like this idea of 'the universe within ourselves'. Can you speak more to how you conceptualize that?

This idea of the universe within was conceptualized for me over many years. Through hard times, and difficult challenges, I discovered I have everything I need within, from strength, inspiration, motivation, to power, positivity, happiness and perseverance. If as though, the light within myself was the source I longed for, and when I focused on self care, and self love, i was met with positivity, growth and opportunities. For me, the more I found myself, the more encouraged and fulfilled I became, motivating others to find success and happiness with their passions!

Can you expand a bit on the content of this piece that you made? Are turtles important to you?

Yes turtles are significant for me because they represent longevity, peace, grounding, ancient wisdom, and emotional strength. Throughout my childhood , as a student, art was not a career path, and it was not seen as productive. I worked hard developing these traits to change my own mindset, and begin to build a career with it. The turtle is determined and patient, As they can live 50-100 years, with the odds stacked against them to survive. It’s estimated 1 in 1000 to 1 in 10,000 make it to adulthood. It represents how I view the journey through life, as we grow and turn our dreams into reality!

You've now contributed to Bait/Switch two times. Do you have any new advice for another artist approaching this project for the first time?

Some advice I have for new artists coming to this project would be to approach it with an open mind, and trust your first instinct! I absolutely love this process and I find it very interesting to see the final release, and how each artist interprets one another’s work. Have fun with it and utilize this incredible opportunity to think outside your everyday process!

Call Number: Y79PP | Y80VA.kaJo

20+ years @katielorraineart is a live performance speed painter, commission based artist, muralist & teacher.