Kate MacKenzie
ABOUT KATE MACKENZIE
Kate MacKenzie is an incredible surrealist painter fearlessly exploring the presence of recognisable imagery paired with fluid concepts that guide the viewer’s mind without providing a concise explanation.
I met Kate at her home in Havelock North. She was dressed in her paint splattered tee and ripped jeans, and immediately drew me into her world with her warm smile and relaxed demeanor. I try not to read too much about an artist before I meet them, choosing instead to take people as I find them, as they are in the moment. I find it an effective way of discovering who an artist is through their art and how they present it to you. With Kate, there is no pretense. She lets her art speak for itself - standing to one side to let you listen. Drawn to art from a young age, Kate found inspiration in her Mother’s forms of creativity. Not being entirely satisfied with her own path in respect to a career in art, Kate became an accountant, a ‘left-field’ choice that didn’t gel. She did eventually come back to her art – painting in pastels before moving into oils on canvas and finding direction through painting what was ‘current’ - moments in time, bringing in concepts such as societal beliefs, technology, the environment, current politics and humanity, multiculturalism. These are all aspects that can be there in the work, though not obviously so. |
Kate likes to push boundaries, continuing to progress her ideas and perspective with each piece. A clear example of this being the incredible painting Kate did of Jacinda Ardern, ‘Lock-down in Paradise – 2020’ that was acquired by Jacindas’ parents and is now loved and enjoyed in their home.
Another incredibly successful creative outlet for Kate has been her submissions into the World of Wearable arts. Not only has Kate achieved the pinnacle of winning the Supreme Award twice - having won again this year - 2022, she has only missed one final since her first entry in 2013. An incredible achievement that she has managed whilst juggling the many other facets of life, a real testament to her drive and dedication to her work.
Kate has also recently focused on ‘giving back’ to the benefit of other artists - firstly as a Judge and in her subsequent year, a Senior Judge in the Edible Arts Awards mentoring both young and older entrants – sharing her knowledge and valuable experience.
Kate’s works have an enduringly popular appeal and viewers feel instantly drawn to the imaginative qualities of the works. We are exceedingly excited by Kate’s work - both in their immediate visual appeal and their ability evoke thought beyond what is immediately observed.
View Kate's CV by clicking the link below and discover the extent of this amazing artists talents.
Another incredibly successful creative outlet for Kate has been her submissions into the World of Wearable arts. Not only has Kate achieved the pinnacle of winning the Supreme Award twice - having won again this year - 2022, she has only missed one final since her first entry in 2013. An incredible achievement that she has managed whilst juggling the many other facets of life, a real testament to her drive and dedication to her work.
Kate has also recently focused on ‘giving back’ to the benefit of other artists - firstly as a Judge and in her subsequent year, a Senior Judge in the Edible Arts Awards mentoring both young and older entrants – sharing her knowledge and valuable experience.
Kate’s works have an enduringly popular appeal and viewers feel instantly drawn to the imaginative qualities of the works. We are exceedingly excited by Kate’s work - both in their immediate visual appeal and their ability evoke thought beyond what is immediately observed.
View Kate's CV by clicking the link below and discover the extent of this amazing artists talents.