KAT COOK
South BELOIT, WI
If optical illusions, unique shapes and vibrant colors are your jam, then you’ll love the work of South Beloit-based artist, Kat Cook. Her love for painting and eye for unique patterns shines through each one of her pieces. While her whimsical work is filled with crazy shapes and textures, Kat uses some math equations and geometry in her paintings to make sure her lines and angles are precise.
What began as a hobby has now turned into a way for her to connect with others. You can connect with Kat and her art this October at DEVIATE. Stop by and check out her pieces and put your artistic abilities to use when you try painting one of her adult coloring books.
october 15
How would you describe your work?
colorful, unique, and lots of line work and patterns
Where do you find your inspiration?
Nature, graffiti, tattoos, stained glass patterns, optical illusions, and life in general
How long does it take for you to do a piece from start to finish? It depends on the piece; if it is commissioned work, then typically I give myself about a month to complete it - if not commissioned, anywhere from 2 weeks - 3 months (depending on my free time). My core materials are bic pencils (love the erasers!), a ruler (you'd be surprised at how much math goes into each piece), canvas board (for easy framing), and paint/paint markers (sometimes I use one or the other, sometimes both, depending on the colors I need).
Where can we find your work? Examples of galleries, stores, and events you have been involved in. I have participated in a handful of art shows. I was the featured artist at Bagels & More in downtown Beloit during Holidazzle 2019, I have been a part of "ArtScene" in Rockford, IL at Luna Datura's (twice) and The Underground (once), and have been selling prints, stickers, and other swag at Culture Shock in Rockford, IL since 2020.
Is this your full-time job? If so, where do you work? I wish this was my full time job! I strictly do this in my free time. My career is working as a project manager for a marketing agency based in Chicago, IL.
What are your future goals for your pieces? I'm just going with the flow - I am humbled by the fact that people enjoy my work because I really do it for myself/peace of mind. People wanting to purchase it is just icing on the cake! I am always on the lookout for unique ways to get the word out about my art, but would also be happy if it was just a hobby because it brings me such joy.
What are you most excited about for DEVIATE? I'm excited about DEVIATE because it will be a unique/fun event in Beloit - it will be a chance to meet other artists and get inspired. People should come because it's an inaugural event and promises to be a good time. People should come to my booth because I plan on having an adult coloring station where people can chill and do some good old fashioned coloring of my black & white pieces.
What do you want us to know about your art, your design, or anything at all?
I put my heart and soul into every piece I create. I think people would be surprised to know how much time and energy it takes to complete. I do all my patterns by hand, so they really are time consuming.
What is your background? I have always been creative minded and had a true love for art (in all of its forms), but did not start creating art as a hobby/to sell until late 2014. I was invited to a wine and paint night and was hesitant to go because I don't drink. But, I went and it lit a flame inside me that hasn't been put out since! From there, it snowballed into a hobby and after people started to see my work and showed interest in purchasing it, I was floored!