I created this collection as a way to get out my frustration on the bullshit women face regarding their health on top of so many other things. I wanted to raise awareness and advocate for women's health resources and funding. As a self-taught artist deeply passionate about promoting women's rights, I believe that art has the power to inspire change and shed light on important issues. I hope that my collection prompts dialogue, and inspires people to advocate for policies that prioritize women's health, gender equality, and social justice. My collection, “Respect The Peach”, is oil paint on pre-stretched canvas.

“Respect The Peach “ is about women’s voices, our contribution, and value in society, and our impact on communities. This collection specifically acknowledges issues regarding women’s health funding, our ability to choose our own healthcare, our fight to be considered in health research, and our representation in leadership funding positions. It is a reminder of how far we’ve come, and how far we still need to go. Our voice will be heard. The peach represents women, our history, and our value in society. It’s meant to empower women, peaches are cute, we’re cute so let us make decisions for our own health, you know, and respect our voice and impact.

Check out the collection and campaign on my Instagram (@artistkatemuse) with resources to learn more about women's health and women's health foundations.  

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www.artistkatemuse.com
Instagram: @artistkatemuse

When did you realize you wanted to pursue art professionally?

I remember being obsessed with being creative as a child. I would watch tutorials on how Disney animators drew the 101 Dalmatians cartoon and would replicate their techniques. In middle school and high school, art class was the only subject where I didn't stare off into space and daydream. After graduation, I didn’t believe I could make a career out of pursuing art so I went to college to pursue a 9-5 career in marketing. After four years working in the corporate world in the fall of 2022, I was laid off and had to move back in with my parents. During this time, I felt like my entire identity had been taken from me and it was a huge blow to my confidence. Spending my time drawing and learning how to use oil paints really helped me get out of that rut. The turning point sucked, but overall it helped me find my way back to art and it helped me gain a larger confidence in myself, and helped me decide and know that I want to pursue art full time. Regardless of what I get out of this direction, I won’t lose that creative part of myself again.  

What do you enjoy exploring through your art?

My art is reflective of my emotions and experiences and I love exploring my perceptions through my paintings. I created this collection as a way to get out my frustration on the issues women face regarding our health on top of so many other things. I haven’t had a great experience with our health care system and I’m sure most women can relate. The idea of this collection started because I was feeling so overwhelmed with current events and my personal experiences and needed to work through it. Planning out the collection, painting each piece, researching foundations, and how I could help was a form of therapy for me.  

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Looking back, what advice do you wish you could give your younger self?

To not only start but also finish your creative projects. When I was younger, it was so hard to stay focused. I had so many ideas but I would only get an hour or two into the project before jumping to another one. Learning how you are motivated and what can get you to the final product is key.

I would also tell my younger self to not care so much about what other people think. If someone doesn’t understand what you are working on then that’s okay, it’s not meant for them. You’ll find other people who resonate.  

What is one thing you hope your audience walks away with after experiencing/viewing your work?

As a self-taught artist deeply passionate about promoting women's rights, I wanted to create art that inspires change and sheds light on important issues. I wanted to raise awareness and advocate for women's health resources and funding. I hope that my collection prompts dialogue, and inspires people to advocate for policies that prioritize women's health, gender equality, and social justice.