An Interview with K.D. Hafley
KD Hafley with some of her work.
What’s your background?
I grew up in Austin, Texas. Even at an early age I was passionate about animals and art. I received my BFA from the School of the Art Institute in Chicago 1990. I worked in galleries for years. But, in 2003 I moved back to Texas and started working in animal rescue. In late 2007 I started back full time on my art. That’s what I have been doing and making a living at ever since. What jobs have you done other than being an artist? I have done custom framing and design; gallery management and sales; pet adoption, intake and foster coordination for Operation Kindness; and doggy day care. Do you have a business or regular job besides your art? All I do is my art. I love doing commissioned paintings, especially pet portraits. 
|
Professionally, what’s your goal?
My goal, besides continuing to show in the local galleries I currently show in, is to have representation in multiple galleries nationally and internationally. What do you like/dislike about your work? I like it when my paintings turn out like I picture them in my mind’s eye. I don’t like it when, no matter what I do, the painting doesn’t turn out. It comes out dull or boring. Name something you love, and why. I love being in my studio on a cool rainy day with my pets (who are like my children) curled up around me while I work. There is nothing better. How do you work? I work in two different ways. Some paintings are dream based and I work from my mind’s eye. Or, I get inspired by an animal (wild life or domestic). This is what I am most known for. Then I will work from photos and sketches. What’s integral to the work of an artist? Simple observation - whether it is observing the world around you or the world within. So one can interpret it and present it in a meaningful way. 
|
