High Artist Spotlight: Kate Oltmann
Kate Oltmann has worked in all areas of Northern California's marijuana industry for almost 10 years, from processing and manufacturing to distribution and everything in between. She noticed that the art surrounding the culture she was a part of didn't represent her or the people she was working with. As an undergrad, she started making work that felt like a sincere reflection of the strides and risks cannabis entrepreneurs have taken to have the respected level of visibility we now see in American pop culture and even politics.
In this lithograph called 'World Series', which placed in the top 35 of High Art 2016, the Giants had just won the world series and the riot police filled the streets of the mission, her buddy skated out to the middle of the street, sat down and proceeded to roll his joint.
We recently asked Kate some questions about her inspirations:
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Q: Where do you find your creative inspiration?
A: "Life experiences"
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Q: Why do you do what you do?
A: "My love of making combined with my drive to convey unique experiences in a greater way that connects to those who may have never experienced anything like them."
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Q: What art/artist do you most identify with?
A: "Nan Goldin"
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Q: What role does an artist have in society?
A: "
To cause a stir, whether good or bad, but to make people feel something, anything. "
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Q: What is your artistic outlook on life?
A: "
Do lots of things, take lots of pictures. "
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Q: What is your dream project?
A: "
A series of large barn quilts for cannabis farms. "
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Support her and shop her exclusive collection at https://highartgallery.com/collections/kate-oltmann