Fifty years ago, I was drawn to Katherine Lakeman’s big smile, infectious laugh, and her ability to make everyone feel special.
This ability made her a shoo-in for the teaching profession. She was brilliant as an art and music teacher, being especially kind to children.
When she decided to become a full-time visual artist, her focus was the natural world around us, from hiking up mountains to visiting gardens; her paintings were representations of the world. Her later studio paintings became more abstract and were influenced by her many interests, such as tango, jazz music, Buddhist teachings, and travel. These interests also led her to further education in art history, and visiting renowned and influential art museums, especially in London and Paris, and holding 1920s-style salon gatherings where discussion was open to every topic under the sun.
She has worked with organizations such as the Calgary Artists Society, the Burns Visual Arts Society, Muttart Art Gallery, Triangle Art Gallery, Apik Art Gallery, and currently Canopy Gallery and Wellness. Her paintings are in many corporate and private collections, including the Alta. Foundation for the Arts.
Fifty years later, we are still discussing art, literature, world events, creativity, travel, and movies. You name it, she is a delight to be around; I love her loads.
-Written by Sheila Rambousek
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Which ’hood are you in?
I live in the vibrant and beautiful Beltline, where I can eat, play, and work at my studio in Lower Mount Royal. I love the walkability of my neighbourhood and its shops and restaurants. I’m an unabashed city slicker!
What do you do?
I paint in acrylics on canvas mostly, but also use mixed media in my abstract work. I started as a landscape and wilderness artist 40 years ago and have evolved into non-objective painting over the last 20 years.
What are you currently working on?
I’m currently working on pieces for my upcoming show, “Convergence ” at Canopy Gallery on December 6th. I found some gorgeous Japanese papers and am incorporating them into acrylic abstracts, layering the 2 media until I get my desired composition. I find it very satisfying and challenging.
Where can we find your work?
You can find my latest work at Canopy Gallery and Wellness Centre at 1723 9th St.SW. in Lower Mt. Royal, where I also have my studio in the back of this restored heritage house.
