Today we’d like to introduce you to Katherine Brannock.
Every artist has a unique story. Can you briefly walk us through yours?
Born and raised in San Diego, California, Katherine Brannock attended Catholic School from Kindergarten (age five) till she graduated from High School (age seventeen). This conservative arena produced an opposite effect on her interests, because at an early age she developed a fascination for the arts as well as a curiosity for alternative forms of religious worship, spirituality and philosophy.
As a young girl, Katherine immersed herself in ancient and international literature. Much of her art and writing was inspired by Occidental works including (but not limited to); Aesop’s Fables, World Mythologies, and Grimm’s Fairy Tales. Other points of inspiration include (but are not limited to); the Oriental disciplines of Taoism, Zen Buddhism and the I Ching. As she transitioned into adolescence, her conceptual and illustrative concentrations broadened into more mainstream media influences, introduced by the San Diego Comic Con International.
After attending a few conventions, she developed a vocabulary of idols that included (but was not limited to); Frank Frazetta, Jean Giraud Moebius, Hans Rudolf Geiger, Olivia de Berardines, Hayao Miyazaki, Naoko Takeuchi and Osamu Tezuka. Each of these individuals inspired Katherine to pursue a life of expression in the world of art, and from that point on she was determined to live her dream.
Upon graduating from High School, Katherine attended College at the University of California Santa Cruz where she secured a Degree in Art with an emphasis in Old World Printmaking. She specifically studied Stone Lithography, Copper Intaglio and various Monotype Media in addition to a handful of modern print methods in the realm of Digital Printmaking.
Shortly after graduating from College, Katherine began her career as a Fine Artist and a Commercial Artist. Her Freelance Art career took place in her spare time, outside of her full time job as an in-house Graphic Designer for the United States, Marine Corps Community Services, Miramar. There she designed print media for the Marine Base Military Facilities as well as Special Events to Honor Military Services Member and their Families –such as the World Famous Miramar Air Show.
While working as a Freelance Artist and an in-house Graphic Designer for the United States Government, Katherine continued training as a Fine Artist in her spare time by studying Classical Illustration and Figure Drawing at the Watts Atelier in Encinitas, California. During this period of commercial work and artistic training, she also began Exhibiting at the San Diego Comic Con International. This turning point in Katherine’s career gained her the attention of publishing companies, such as DC Comics, as well as the many film, gaming, and comic book industry professionals who were interested in learning more about her plans as a Commercial Illustrator.
It was shortly after her first year as an Exhibitor at The San Diego Comic Con International when Katherine decided to change her career from that of a Commercial Graphic Designer, to that of a Professional Tattoo Artist. This decision was implemented with the goal of achieving financial freedom as well as circumstantial freedom; thus affording Katherine greater power and mobility to protect her vision as a Fine Artist.
Katherine’s most extensive Apprenticeship took place specifically under the Tutelage of Eric Cooper at Guru Tattoo in the Pacific Beach District of San Diego, California. However, she graciously acknowledges additional (albeit informal) Tutelage from other Tattoo Artists at Guru Tattoo as well as Flying Panther Tattoo –another shop located in the Golden Hill District of San Diego, California.
During that time she received a very thorough curriculum of Tattoo Fundamentals, spanning concepts such as; Artistic Tattoo Design, Tattoo Machine Building/Maintenance, and of course Tattoo Application. However, the cumulative result of Katherine’s many Apprenticeships, caused her to truly fall in love with Tattoo Culture, and the people who passionately preserve the traditional values of this Service Industry.
Upon finishing her final Tattoo Apprenticeship, Katherine shifted attention back onto expanding her Brand, in addition to promoting her latest project –a book entitled The Adventures of Someday Mouse. With this story and its characters, Katherine has aspirations of building a Global Brand that will promote an inspirational message, encouraging people to experience an enriched life of fulfillment. It is her earnest wish that Someday Mouse will succeed as a project noted for its integrity, in addition to its positive impact on the world.
On a final note, Katherine is incredibly honored and grateful for having been introduced to a growing network of remarkable people over the years. Her friends, acquaintances and family continue to inspire her development as an Artist as well as an Individual. She sincerely hopes that her presence will have a similarly positive impact on the people she comes across during her life’s journey. She intends to express this gratitude by ceaselessly expanding, perfecting and refining her artistic communication for the purpose of enriching the lives of her fellow human beings.
Please tell us about your art.
Much of my work originates from attempting to uncover myself and my place within the global web of humanity. As I dive further into what I believe to be my individuality, I seem to find that I am much like everyone else.
Someone who has experienced trauma, someone who wishes to be understood, someone who seeks a community, someone who wishes to establish a legacy, someone who seeks peace -be it a peace of mind, heart or my surroundings. I could go on.
However, regardless of what I create (an oil painting for myself, a custom tattoo for another, or a commercial illustration for a corporation) the thread which connects all of these seemingly opposite expressions is the idea that one can paradoxically transcend the status quo while being utterly immersed in it.
I believe that each person has a special place and purpose, and I would hope that my work inspires someone, or many, to trust in their uniqueness… because that is simply one indication of why you belong.
We often hear from artists that being an artist can be lonely. Any advice for those looking to connect with other artists?
I believe the best place to start building your unique community is Sketchparty San Diego. It is the most approachable and egalitarian space to simply connect other artists and, most importantly, make friends. Anyone can be a part of the biweekly event and they can keep themselves updated on dates and times via Instagram @sketchpartysd. From this point forward, one could assemble a group of people to enjoy the many sites, sounds, galleries and museums that San Diego regularly facilitates.
How or where can people see your work? How can people support your work?
You can find me tattooing at Flying Panther Tattoo and Gallery located on the corner of 23rd and Broadway in Golden Hill or working at my Private Studio on Kettner Boulevard next to the Museum of Contemporary Art.
I typically keep my Website and Social Media updated regarding local, national and international Exhibitions or Conventions. However, the best way to be a part of my world is to contact me via email for a tattoo appointment or schedule a private viewing at my studio to purchase original artwork.
Contact Info:
- Website: www.katherinebrannock.com
- Email: art@katherinebrannock.com
- Instagram: @katherinebrannock
- Facebook: facebook.com/katherinebrannock
Image Credit:
Lee Joseph
Jenne Chanthaboury
Chrome Digital
Hanna Tawater
Jessica Moore
Paul Koester
Amanda Levine
Getting in touch: SDVoyager is built on recommendations from the community; it’s how we uncover hidden gems, so if you know someone who deserves recognition please let us know here.
