STATEMENT

I’m Kate Renee, a professional artist who works with acrylics on birch panels, finished with glossy resin. My work is edgy with a veneer of cute, drawing inspiration from fairytales, popular storybook characters, and icons from pop culture. The bright, playful aesthetic—reminiscent of a coloring book—creates an inviting surface, but beneath that lies a rich layer of metaphors and symbolism that invites deeper reflection.

I delve into political, social, feminist, and cultural themes, often exploring uncomfortable or thought-provoking content. My paintings are designed to provoke both visual and intellectual engagement, encouraging conversations that challenge conventional perspectives. Bold, sarcastic titles ask questions and make bold statements, bringing to light the hidden personalities and stories behind my doll-like characters.

By blending vibrant imagery with sharp critique, I create visually captivating and intellectually stimulating work, sparking dialogue about the narratives and issues we encounter in everyday life.

GOOGILY EYE TREATISE

A signature visual element in Kate Renee’s work is the anatomy of a mismatched gaze—the use of one large eye and one small eye. This distinctive feature not only brands her work as instantly recognizable but also breathes life into inanimate objects, anthropomorphizing them in a way that challenges the viewer’s perception of the animate and inanimate. The contrasting eyes also deconstruct the familiar, subtly altering the vibrant qualities of human, animal, or character forms. At first glance, these characters may seem familiar, but upon closer inspection, they reveal themselves as oddly unfamiliar. This visual twist helps to reinforce the central message of Kate's work: an invitation to look beyond the surface and question what we think we know.

BIO

Meet Kate Renee, a professional artist and creative entrepreneur based in Minneapolis, MN. With a passion for bridging art and entrepreneurship, Kate has been inspiring fellow creatives since 2011 through her engaging blog, What Art School Didn’t Teach You, where she shares invaluable insights on navigating the arts business landscape.

Armed with a Master of Arts in Art and Cultural Management from St. Mary’s University, focusing on Arts Entrepreneurship, and a Bachelor of Arts in Art and Art History from the University of Minnesota, Kate brings a wealth of knowledge to the table. In addition to running her own consulting business that empowers emerging artists and creative entrepreneurs, Kate has worked in nonprofit retail sales and strategy, helping organizations maximize their impact and reach in the museum shop sector.

Previously, as the business arts teacher at Artistry, a prominent nonprofit in Minnesota, Kate was dedicated to nurturing the next generation of creatives. Whether through her transformative artwork or her mentorship, she is committed to making art accessible and impactful, helping others unlock their potential in the vibrant world of creativity. Explore Kate’s journey and discover how she can help you bring your artistic vision to life!