Creative Process

Kate finds inspiration in many different places... a coastal hike, exploring the bogs or birdwatching by the ocean. Located in Bonavista, Newfoundland, much of her inspiration comes from the natural beauty of her surroundings.

Her designs begin with sketches, drawings and collected ideas, developed by hand either at her light table or on her tablet. Whether working with brushes, ink and pen on paper transparencies or drawing directly on a tablet, Kate builds her motifs layer by layer, bringing together line, shape and colour to create a distinctive sense of depth and movement.

The artwork is then refined and assembled to create the finished motifs and repeat patterns. Kate's patterns retain the character and spontaneity of her hand-drawn work, with subtle variations and slight irregularities in the layered colours reminiscent of a traditional screen print.

Whether at home, abroad or camping in her camper van, Kate always keeps a sketch pad on hand and her camera ready to capture ideas for her next pattern.