kate cleaves

My new decks just launched through Devil Street Decks – check ‘em out along with some other very cool artists and their decks too!

This summer while I was working on these decks, the cat that I had since I was four-years-old passed away. The deck “Jungle Cat” is my immortalization and homage to him.

Here is all the brand new work that is part of the Organic Chemistry series. All of this and more can still be seen at Constellation Gallery until September 24th! I just want to thank everyone who came out to the opening too! We had around 400 people – and it was a blast – you guys rock! For all of you who couldn’t make it to the opening – here are the new pieces in their final state! Will have them posted up on katecleaves.com very soon as well! Enjoy!

"The Space Between the Air and Sea"

Organic Chemistry: Artist Statement

“I am constantly amazed by this world that we are all a part of – and I draw inspiration everywhere from the vast depths of space to the tiniest molecules on earth.

There is an infinite source of beauty and perfection all around us when we take the time to stop and look – children seem to naturally recognize this euphoric beauty of the world around them as everything is fresh and new, and their brains haven’t yet started to get cluttered with everyday worries and mundane rituals. In a world that is dominated by the human mind, it seems we are often too busy – moving to quickly, to care about the fact that we are burning up resources faster than they can replenish. Being aware of our consciousness is an amazing gift – but it is how we use it that will decide the state of the world we live in.

I believe there is a lot to learn on how to live more sustainably and in sync with our surroundings by observing the ebb and flow of the living, natural world. Every plant, animal, cloud, and organism lives in a kind of harmony, and is part of deeper consciousness that is radiantly seamless. This kind of balance and synthesis plays a key role within the inspiration of my work.

Organic Chemistry echos a more universal synthesis between Science and Philosophy/Spirituality – I believe we need a balance between these things to better understand the world. The idea of chaos and order is also present while I am painting, and that underneath what often seems to be this complex jumble of everything, there is in fact a grand design – like an eternal rhythm, or dance.

I am often inspired by fractal patterns in nature, or the nautilus shell which I use as a metaphor to depict this absolute (and scientific) beauty. My favorite image to illustrate this comes from the idea of the big bang theory – I think it is amazing to think about how at one time, everything that makes up the billions of life forms on this planet was all part of this one tiny seed of exploding cosmic energy, and that the only real separation we experience is due to the distance between our ever expanding energy in time and space. To me, this seems equally spiritual or magical as it does scientific. It is this kind of “magic” and scientific beauty, that I wish to portray through the body of work in Organic Chemistry – simultaneously hoping to create visual spaces that allow the viewer to return to that place of childhood euphoria.”

"Lucid Dreamer"

"In the Center"

"Nectar"

"Jungle Moon"

Double Rainbow"

"Waking Dream"

"Pro-Creation"

"Tree of Life"

It’s definitely has been a winter of fairy making! There are new ones now on display at Stones’n'Stuff on Congress street in Portland – hope you will stop by and check them out!

Recently I have had the pleasure of designing various belts for  The Belted Cow Company.  Although they sell their products all over the country, all of their designs are created here in Maine, by Maine Artists.  At the moment “Waist Deep” is the only one of my designs you can purchase directly from their website (but what a perfect time of year for a ski lover’s belt!) – however, keep your eye out for my other designs that include: “Crew Blades,” “Gaurd Dog,” – and my personal favorite (and a really fun one to work on) – “Jungle Jam” (made just for kids!).

Just finished up this painting (“Sacred Geometry”) for a commission earlier today. I love fractal geometry because it reminds us that underneath it all – even all the chaos – there is perfect beauty.

So I have just started a series of 13 paintings – this is just a glimpse of one during the very first stages. I’m hoping to have these paintings out sometime during the summer – I’ll keep you all posted and give you some more sneak peeks every so often! More to come on this series…

I love coming across old paintings that I have completely forgot about making. Here is a mixed media piece that I stumbled upon the other day and wanted to share with you. It’s titled “Creatrix #3″

Just another teaser for the new series I am working on – enjoy!

Two Point Gallery (564 Congress St. in Portland) is having their one year anniversary show this month – and myself along with many other talented artists have totally fresh work for you to come check out! The opening reception is this Friday, May 7th from 5-9. Hope to see you all there!

Since I have finally given up on finding my warranty for my (not-so) old camera – I decided to just go out and buy a new one! I really do love Sony Cybershots… they are the only camera for me! Anyways, here is a taste of whats going on in the studio (The last piece is a collabo with Nathan Marchand). Hope you like!

I have been working all year on totally new paintings for your pleasure! The show is titled Organic Chemistry and runs from September 3rd to September 24th. Please join me in the opening reception Friday September 3rd from 5pm-9pm and check out the new work – as well as party, hear live music, and of course enjoy the wine and horderves! Can’t wit to see you all there!

It’s finally here! I’m very excited to share with you all the series of paintings I have been working on all year. Hope to see you all Friday night at Constellation for the opening!!

Organic Chemistry: Artist Statement

“I am constantly amazed by this world that we are all a part of – and I draw inspiration everywhere from the vast depths of space to the tiniest molecules on earth.

There is an infinite source of beauty and perfection all around us when we take the time to stop and look – children seem to naturally recognize this euphoric beauty of the world around them as everything is fresh and new, and their brains haven’t yet started to get cluttered with everyday worries and mundane rituals. In a world that is dominated by the human mind, it seems we are often too busy – moving to quickly, to care about the fact that we are burning up resources faster than they can replenish. Being aware of our consciousness is an amazing gift – but it is how we use it that will decide the state of the world we live in.

I believe there is a lot to learn on how to live more sustainably and in sync with our surroundings by observing the ebb and flow of the living, natural world. Every plant, animal, cloud, and organism lives in a kind of harmony, and is part of deeper consciousness that is radiantly seamless. This kind of balance and synthesis plays a key role within the inspiration of my work.

Organic Chemistry echos a more universal synthesis between Science and Philosophy/Spirituality – I believe we need a balance between these things to better understand the world. The idea of chaos and order is also present while I am painting, and that underneath what often seems to be this complex jumble of everything, there is in fact a grand design – like an eternal rhythm, or dance.

I am often inspired by fractal patterns in nature, or the nautilus shell which I use as a metaphor to depict this absolute (and scientific) beauty. My favorite image to illustrate this comes from the idea of the big bang theory – I think it is amazing to think about how at one time, everything that makes up the billions of life forms on this planet was all part of this one tiny seed of exploding cosmic energy, and that the only real separation we experience is due to the distance between our ever expanding energy in time and space. To me, this seems equally spiritual or magical as it does scientific. It is this kind of “magic” and scientific beauty, that I wish to portray through the body of work in Organic Chemistry – simultaneously hoping to create visual spaces that allow the viewer to return to that place of childhood euphoria.”