When I visit with my subjects I try to allow one hour and then leave. In my visit with Kathryn Merrill, I may have overstayed my hour limit. I saw her passion in each piece of art she created. She has an attention to detail and honors her subjects unique stories. Kathy said she has always drawn, growing up on a ranch in Montana, she had plenty of subjects. Kathy gave credit to a high school teacher after moving to California for nurturing her talent.
Kathy came to Kingfisher in 1989 with her grandmother. She had just graduated from high school bringing a beautician license with her. Kathy still works in her beauty shop but across the room is her latest art project. She has over 200 creations, some made with pencils, some with oil paints. We touched on the business side of selling art. Most artists want to make art and let someone else handle the selling. Kathy does it all from the creating to framing to selling. She can tell you the story behind each piece. When I asked Kathy what she wanted people to see in her work, she said “the Western culture that is full of stories with details of their lives.”
Kathy said God has packed each of our bags with unique gifts and plans to use them for his glory. We have to keep our eyes and hearts open to what God has in mind for our journey. We talked about those who have inspired her faith. Kathy shared with me about one of her favorite artists, her brother Larry Kastner.
Larry is incarcerated in Oklahoma serving a life sentence due to substance abuse. Kathy showed me some of his artwork that she also has for sale. She said the money from his work allows him to maintain a certain level of independence and pride in himself. Dealing with ADHD, art is a positive and healthy way for him to spend his time.
Kathy is excited about an upcoming workshop in Pawhuska this October. She’s planning her open house again this year. Go visit KathrynMerrillwesternart. com and check out the new adventures Kathy has planned. I want to thank Kathy for a glimpse into her journey. She was kind and inspiring in my journey in the art world. Photos by Bonny Flesher
