Today, I am 40

When I was a young gothling I spent a weird amount of time in a card and party store next door to the Barnes and Noble where my friends and I spent our Friday evenings. The birthday cards for 40 were fascinating to me- gravestones and coffins and jokes about being over the hill. I couldn't imagine being 40, yet here I am. Teenage Katie would like me. I'm an artist, living in the city I love, with a house full of art and thrifted treasures and a little dog. I think she'd feel safe with me. I think she'd want to be me when she grew up.

When September starts every year, everything in my life intensifies. First my birthday, and weather starting to finally cool down. And then Halloween, my favorite and busiest time of year, leading into the Austin Studio Tour and holiday markets, with 14 hour work days and stress dreams but also connecting with people over art and all the magic that goes with that.

Speaking of art and magic, I got my acceptance into the Austin Studio Tour, and I'm excited to start making even more art for that. This Weeping Eye piece is the start to stuff getting weirder and more esoteric, as I explore symbolism related to transformation. This show has been been brewing in my head for quite some time.

But before that I install art at one of my favorite local restaurants, Bouldin Creek Cafe! The concept/title is Pretty, Pink, and Poisonous. Yes, technically some of the elements are venomous not poisonous, but sometimes alliteration is more important than accuracy. Dammit Jim, I'm an artist not a grammarian!

So that's what's going on in my world! If you'd like to support me on my birthday, join my Patreon (patreon.com/KatieCowden) or share my work with all your friends. I will also take Topo Chicos and flowers.