Guest Interview with Kathy Malkasian

The face is familiar to 1000's of artists, writers and instructors world-wide, the name to even more. She will have you believing you can do anything you put your mind to....you will want to book a flight to the next workshop....be looking for your childhood sock monkey and wish you had her sweet Bill around all the time.

Kathy Malkasian is primarily a book artist who enjoys exploring multiple mediums. She has taught workshops on bookmaking and papermaking, has served as an art juror for the Percent for Art Program for the State of Wisconsin in 2004 and other art venues. She is a consultant to other artists interested in exploring book arts.

Kathy is co-founder of the Bone Folders' Guild in Madison, Wisconsin. Her books have been on exhibit at Kohler Art Library, Madison, Wisconsin, Golda Meir Library in Milwaukee, the River Arts Gallery in Prairie du Sac, and the Canterbury Inn, Madison, Wisconsin. As the owner of Valley Ridge Art Studio, Kathy has worked with artists and writers to develop a wide variety of creative workshops in Book, Paper, Photography, Mixed Media and Writing Arts since 1999.

MP:  You are celebrating 10 years of sharing your world with others through Valley Ridge Art Studio.  It has been said taking a workshop/class is an experience of a lifetime.  What makes Valley Ridge so special? 

When I decided to open up Valley Ridge Art Studio, I wanted to create an atmosphere that would make each person who came feel comfortable.  That was one of my main intentions.  I had attended a few workshops myself; one was a week long experience in northern Wisconsin.  It was held in a high school, and I remembered how cold and impersonal the whole experience was.  Cinder block walls, metal chairs, vending machines that wouldn't accept a dollar.  So when I thought about Valley Ridge, I took into consideration all the things that would make me comfortable and made that possible.  Our workshop building is lined with large windows overlooking hundreds of acres of pristine country side.  Each person has their own table to work at (no sharing with anyone).  Our refrigerator is filled with soda and water and a bottomless cup of coffee or tea is available throughout the day.  Morning and afternoon snacks are provided for that pick me up or simply to satisfy the sweet tooth in us.  When you arrive at Valley Ridge, you will no longer hear the demands of your everyday life.  No lawn mowing, no traffic to contend with and if you turn your cell phone off, you are virtually free from the hassles of our demanding schedules. And this is just the beginning.

MP:  Kathy tell us about some of the classes for the coming year and please let us know how we too can be a part of the experience.

We have an incredible 2009 workshop schedule this season with national and internationally renowned artists.  We are offering 37 workshops, which does not include our 2 open studios we hosted this winter.  Jill Berry is opening our season with her Personal Geographies: Mapping Your Life.  We have Nina Bagley and Lynne Perrella who have been teaching at Valley Ridge for at least 5 years.   There is Michael de Meng, Keith Lo Bue, Dan Essig and Thomas Mann who knock the socks off their students.  And Karen Wallace who will have you saying where did she come from and how come I've never heard of her before?  We have new instructors coming for their first time... Traci Bunker, Judy Wise, Mary Beth Shaw, and Lisa Engelbrecht.  We are offering a 5-day intensive with Susan Shie (turtle moon studio) and if you are unfamiliar with her work, you must look her up.  She started fiber art journaling and blogging way before anyone else was into it.   We are offering more metal smithing workshops this season as we were able to upgrade our studio last season thanks to the help of Thomas Mann.  We now have 8 flex shafts available and the ability to do some serious soldering.  Susan Lenart Kazmer will find the upgrades amazing.  I am not mentioning all of the instructors, but will leave on this note... Michelle Ward travels only to Valley Ridge Art Studio to teach. She loves it here as does all the instructors that come.  To view our web site, go to http://www.valleyridgeartstudio.com/.  Click on a workshop title to read a more detailed description of the workshop and to register, if you would like.

MP:  How did you make the transition from working as a therapist to making the decision to opening and running an art studio? 

It's quite a long story, so I will try to condense it as much as possible.  I had left my position with ATTIC Correctional Services and was in transition at that time.  I was focused on setting up my studio so I could concentrate my energy on creating books in my brother's shop.  It was during this transition that my sweet boy, Bill, said he was going to build me a studio where I could hold workshops. That was in 1999. About a year later, I received a phone call from an ex-coworker at ATTIC.  She wanted to meet for lunch to talk about me coming back to ATTIC to fill in for her temporarily while she went on pregnancy leave.  I agreed to help her out.  She came back from leave, and was then promoted to supervisor. I was now in charge of the unit.  As Valley Ridge grew and became more and more successful, I found myself working from 5 in the morning until nearly midnight each day.  As you can imagine, something had to give.  I found myself struggling with what to do.  I wanted to cut back on my hours at ATTIC Correctional Services, but my supervisor would plead with me to wait for a few more months, which never came.  Well the universe simply decided to take care of me, and when our contract came up for renewal, we were outbid by a competitor.  My unit was shut down.  It was as simple as that.  I was then able to focus my full attention on Valley Ridge Art Studio.  (Side note:  The contract was awarded back to ATTIC last year and I got a phone call from my ex-supervisor for lunch....you know what the question was... and my answer was "no, I simply can't.")

MP:  Having the opportunity to see and/or participate in all the classes covering various mediums at the studio over the years, what's your personal favorite type of art to create for yourself? 

I love art.  Just love it.  When I was an undergrad student, I had a difficult time leaving the art room to go off to my next class.  I managed to do it, but it was difficult.  I remember coming back into the studio around 10 in the evening and working as long as I could.  Each class I took, I found I was in love with another media.  So what does this have to do with the question?  I love it all, but I do find myself more interested in 3-dimensional art and consider myself a better 3-dimensional artist.

MP:  And is it what you had envisioned creating, prior to being exposed up close & personal to all of the many choices?

I never imagined I would be working with pure junk and be able to transfer junk into something worthy of hanging on a wall or wearing around my neck.

 

MP:  Valley Ridge is not just for artists.  You also provide coursework and resources for writers, teachers, librarians and craftspeople.  Tell us more about this.

I think because I initially focused on book arts, this lends to a natural transition for writers and librarians and teachers.  The wonderful aspect of learning something (no matter what it is), is that if it excites you, you can share it with others.  So many of our workshops are vehicles for educators as they come to learn so they can pass what they have learned to others.  And what a wonderful gift that is.

MP:  You are a very talented artist yourself, how do you find time for your own art with the schedule at Valley Ridge?

Unfortunately, I don't find the spare time to create on a regular basis.  What I am blessed with is that I can participate in each workshop and this affords me the opportunity to create.   I am hoping to find a bit more time, once our grandson moves in, to be in my studio.  He just might force me to spend a few more evening hours in the studio with him. Time will tell.

MP:  Social Networking is a hot topic today, how do you feel it affects us as artists?

Social networking is high on the list of “I must be participating in this, if I want to be noticed."  I found myself extremely resistant to it in the beginning and then gave in, creating my blog (which hasn't been updated since we finished our 2008 season).  I then found Facebook and have been addicted.  Social networking is time consuming and another huge reason why it is difficult to get in to the studio.  I remember taking a workshop with Juliana Coles and she had us do a journal page on "time busters."  Well more than a few of use vented about the time we waste on our computers.  It is all a choice however, and as artists who want to be creating, and networking, and participating in life, it is crucial to have a daily routine where art is number one.  Set aside at least an hour a day to be in your studio and consider it sacred time. You will have the rest of the day for the "time busters" to eat you up.

MP:  What advice would you give an emerging artist?  Can you share about the sock monkey and the purpose it serves?

Ah, the sock monkey.  We have a sock monkey in the studio whose purpose is to carry your inner critic’s thoughts for you.  We encourage people to write their critical thoughts on a piece of paper and pin it to the sock monkey.  Let him carry those negative thoughts & feelings, relieving you of the burden.   As for those starting out, I hear a lot of self doubt as people compare themselves to everyone else.  We all start in the same place; the beginning.  We all grow with more exposure, more commitment, more experience. Take workshops, read, visit museums, keep a visual journal, take risks and make mistakes.  No one learns much by doing the right thing all of the time.

MP:  Is there anything you would like the art world to know about you that we did not cover in our interview?

Although my name is most often associated with Valley Ridge Art Studio, I could not have accomplished this dream if it were not for my husband, Bill.  He single handedly decided to build the studio for me.  I don't think I would have taken the financial risk on myself.  He is also an integral part of Valley Ridge.  He makes sure our souls are nourished by creating our fabulous luncheon buffets and making sure we are all exposed to some of Wisconsin's finest cheeses and offers us a crisp glass of chardonnay or a robust pinot nior for our evening socials in the Community Building. If something goes a little hay-wire, he is there to fix it.  He makes magic happen. He is my sweet-boy.

MP:  Is it the art, the setting at Valley Ridge or your exposure to so very many different artists & students and their beliefs that keeps you so happy and obviously enjoying life and all it has to offer? 

I am, by nature, an optimistic person.  I have always been.  And I philosophically believe that everything that happens, happens for a good reason.  So here I find myself, living on 120 acres in God's country, where I listen to coyotes and owls in the evening and watch deer grazing under the burr oaks in the morning.   I have been given the gift to be the catalyst that fosters new relationships & friendships, uncovers hidden talents, and unleashes self doubt.  Those who drive down our gravel driveway bring their gifts with them and expose me to endless amounts of human compassion.  Each person leaves a little bit of themselves behind.

Kathy, thank you for sharing so much of yourself and Valley Ridge with our readers.  To learn more about Kathy and what Valley Ridge has to offer visit their website.  http://www.valleyridgeartstudio.com 

Artwork courtesy of Kathy.

Comments

[debi (junkin' yaya)]

Kathy...what a beautiful interview! I think the part of the interview that stays with me the most (and brought chills to my soul)...is when you talk about what keeps you so happy! I LOVE the way you explained how the artists bring their gifts to Valley Ridge (part of God's country) and leave a part of themselves behind! Very inspiring and uplifiting.

Maybe someday I will be able to take some time away from my busy schedule to come "play" and be able to leave a part of my spirit with you & Bill.

xo...deb (the junkin' yaya)

[Brittany]

wow, love the content and the art as usual is fantastic!
I hope to some day come and play with you..
http://papermoonies.blogspot.com

[sue]

Thanks for taking the time out of your busy schedule to do this interview-beautiful interview from a beautiful person, both inside & out!

[Brenda Wampler]

Thank you for a super interview. And to tell us a bit about your amazing life!

[amanda]

As a newbie to Valley Ridge in 2008, I can attest to the magic that happens there. Kathy and Bill are the most wonderful hosts, the setting is the most beautiful place I've ever been, and the teachers are phenomenal. Thank you Kathy for sharing yourself with us. Hope to see you again this year...xo amanda

[Mary R Rork-Watson]

I've had the privilege of attending workshops with Lynne Perella and Michelle Ward at Valley Ridge and it is a wonderful creative atmosphere. I leave refreshed and inspired.

Great interview--I can't wait to visit again.