Interview 3: Kathryn Rita
Kathryn Rita, of ohkatylady.com, is an artist, photographer, blogger, aspiring podcaster, and adventuresome being. Her presence is warm and kind. She is deeply present while she listens in conversations, and often erupts with bubbly encouragement and laughter in her responses. Katy’s collaboratively inclined photoshoots and content inspired me to ask her for an interview. Once you see her page, you’ll understand how watching her day-to-day creative endeavors is immediately spellbinding. I find that witnessing an artist’s growth is much like watching possibilities take physical form. When we bear witness to one another in vulnerable states, we are able to unlock previously untapped understanding, growth, and excitement.
A: What was the moment you decided to start your blog to share your art and your life?
Katy: I was really inspired by photography and how people shared their work on instagram in high school. A counselor in my high school experience steered me away from photography as a career because it wasn’t a good choice for stable income. She urged me to choose cosmetology which was a career with creative aspects and monetary security. She was lookin’ out, but it was really shitty advice. After graduation, I moved from my home in Pennsylvania to Colorado and pursued beauty school while I helped my sister-in-law care for my niece and nephew. I found so much unhappiness in the salon environment that I switched to working in restaurants. The friendships that I found in the restaurant made me bloom. I had people in my life that cared about me and empowered me. After feeling that sense of community, I wanted everyone to be able to feel that. Photography came back into my life shortly after joining that group of people. Along with photography came podcasts, and a deeper sense of what self-love is. I wanted to be able to inspire others to go out in nature, to dive into creativity, and to find themselves in the same way that I had.
A: From where do you draw inspiration for your projects?
Katy: I draw so much inspiration from the friends in my life that are following their passions. I want to create a community of people that can come together and share their passions. My newest project is a book that is a 30 day map to mindfulness which will be filled with journaling prompts, interviews, and yoga classes. It will be a resource to help people out of a rut and into their creative brain to find self-love practices that inspire them. It brings me happiness to share the lessons I've learned through mentors, travel, and creating to help others find confidence in themselves.
A: In what ways has your art evolved since you began your practice?
Katy: I’ve definitely noticed a change in my photography since I began. It’s gotten a lot better. I love learning new techniques from friends and people that I admire like Sam Kolder. I like to do things that will pull me out of my comfort zone —that evokes the most change.
A: Does overcoming fear factor into any of your projects?
Katy: Everyone is fearful, but you’ve got to push past that. I still get really nervous in public speaking situations, and that’s true for me even on social media. But, I want to be able to do travel vlogs, so I have to push past that intimidating discomfort. My boyfriend and I are doing a big roadtrip to see several national parks soon, and I want to be able to upload at least a video a week. I find that the simple act of showing up and doing the thing that scares you, even when you suck, is what helps you get over the self-criticism and self-doubt. The most successful people in this realm show up day after day being vulnerable. I appreciate that honesty so much. It’s relatable, and it gives other people permission to do the same. I’d love to inspire others to push beyond their insecurities and to be that voice in their ear that says, ‘None of this will matter soon. What matters now is you and your growth.’
A: What is your favorite feeling or thing to photograph?
Katy: My friends. I recently did a how-to/passion video for a friend’s pottery business, and watching her work in her flow state brought me into my own flow state. It was such a cool day. I would do that a million more times. Seeing her like that brought us closer together having experienced that vulnerable, creative side of each other. It creates an open environment of excitement where we were both bouncing ideas off each other.
A: What has your art taught you about connection?
Katy: I feel that vulnerability has been the biggest lesson. For instance, even just watching my friends, from the first restaurant where I worked, go sing karaoke together and goof around had a huge impact on me. No one was making fun of anyone else. They all supported each other which made me so happy to be exactly where I was. This moment taught me how important it is to bring out the passion and excitement in the people around you. You see that other person’s best self when they are speaking about or engaging in something that they love. I feel like it provides mutual growth when we talk together about the things that set our souls on fire. Even if it’s just promoting that moment of excitement or creativity, it is so important to encourage that hope in yourself and in others.
Keep your eyes peeled for her upcoming book release, podcast, travel vlogs, and photo projects on her website and social media.
@ohkatylady