Kathy Williams’ Take on Empowerment Through Art
Kathy Williams is a contemporary fine artist based in Germany, originally from Dimmitt, Texas. Specializing in alcohol ink, her work pushes the creative boundaries of the medium, expanding its ethereal, fluid qualities to evoke new textures and forms. This reflects her belief that we can evolve beyond what we’re expected to be. Kathy’s abstract pieces explore transformation, growth, and self-acceptance themes, creating emotional connections where strength, beauty, and vulnerability coexist. Central to her message is the belief that you are enough, encouraging viewers to embrace their unique journeys. Kathy has exhibited her work in shows such as Superfine! DC, the Women of Color Art Expo, and DC Art All Night. Her work has been featured in the December 2023 issue of Contemporary Art Collectors Magazine and in the Arts to Hearts Project’s Creative Process Book, where she was one of 100 women artists sharing their stories and creative processes. Collectors are drawn to Kathy’s art for its exploration of abstract forms and emotional depth.
Kathy Williams is a featured artist in our book “The Creative Process.” You can explore her journey and the stories of other artists by purchasing the book here: https://shop.artstoheartsproject.com/products/the-creative-process-book
Kathy Williams is a talented artist who is originally from Texas and is now based in Germany. In this interview, she opens up about her artwork, personal story, and the strong themes of self-love and empowerment that guide what she creates. Kathy shares how losing her mother and society’s impossible beauty standards inspired her to challenge what beauty means. Using alcohol ink as her medium, she pushes her limits to create pieces that blend strength, vulnerability, and personal growth. She also talks about how experiences like showing her work at the Women of Color Art Expo have strengthened her focus on women’s empowerment and diversity.
1. What inspired your mission to redefine beauty through your art, and how do themes of self-acceptance and empowerment manifest in your work?
The death of my mother shaped my mission to redefine beauty. She spent so much of her life trying to meet society’s standards—big boobs, big butt, tiny waist—that’s the Mexican standard of beauty. She was always on some sort of fad diet, and I remember standing at her coffin and thinking about how pointless all that was. At the end of the day, no one cared if she could fit into a size six jeans. People remembered her laugh and how she made everyone feel like a celebrity when they spoke to her. That moment was a turning point for me. It made me realize how much we waste chasing superficial beauty, pushing me to explore these ideas in my work. I began by focusing on colour and movement, ensuring I evoked the right emotion in anyone who looked at my art. Over time, it’s been a progression to fully embrace themes of self-acceptance and empowerment by intentionally leaving mistakes and making things more raw and less ‘pretty.’ Now, with my upcoming collection, I’m shifting even more toward women’s empowerment and exploring how growth and transformation show up on a personal level.
I’m bringing the themes of transformation, growth, and self-acceptance into clearer focus, especially around women’s empowerment.
Kathy Williams
2. How do you see art as a form of rebellion against society’s obsession with perfection?
Abstract art is inherently rebellious. I think I fell in love with it because it just is—you know? It reminds me of this conversation my brother had with my dad:
Dad: ‘Have you seen Kathy’s art?’
Brother: ‘Yes.’
Dad: ‘Well, what is it?’
Brother: ‘It’s abstract art.’
Dad: ‘But it’s not of anything, so how do you know if it’s good?’
But that’s the beauty of abstract art—it doesn’t have to be of something. It’s more about the experience, which can make people uncomfortable because there’s not much to judge but more to feel. That’s where abstract art pushes back against society’s obsession with perfection. It doesn’t fit into a box, and it takes all the rules and plays with them—and that’s what I love about it.
3. Can you share a specific piece from your collection that embodies your “You Are Enough” message?
Yes, it’s called Swan, and I almost threw it away like four times while making it. Every time I looked at it, I wasn’t sure if it was going to work, and there were so many moments when I wanted to give up. But I couldn’t let go of the idea that this piece had something important to say. At the time, there was a lot of heated conversation around transgender rights, and with that came so many opinions. While I couldn’t directly relate, I think most of us have been told at some point what we can or can’t do or be (ex., an artist…who isn’t starving). I connected with embracing who you truly are, regardless of what others might expect you to be. So I decided to really push and experiment with my medium, which is typically soft and ethereal, turning it into something bold and dynamic, like spray paint. There’s no rule book for this technique, and I failed repeatedly, hence the frequent trips to the trashcan. In the end, I loved how it turned out. The ink held onto its unique qualities and created these incredible details. I also wanted to highlight that the bottom half, painted in the traditional ethereal style, is a reminder that you don’t lose who you are—you evolve. Swan—and yes, I was definitely thinking about the Ugly Duckling story—bringing the ‘you are enough’ message to life. It’s not just about the finished product; it’s about the process. It invites people to reflect on their own journey, to see they’re whole and worthy, and then go out and do whatever the hell they want—with confidence.
4. What role does art play in transforming a home into a sanctuary for personal growth?
Energy, energy, and energy! Just like how plants or fresh flowers can bring life into a space, art does the exact same thing. And it’s more cost-effective because you can’t kill it, and it won’t wilt. Everyone, including me, wants their home to be aesthetically beautiful, but it’s another level of luxury when you fill your home with art that speaks to your soul. Those pieces become beautiful reminders of where you want to go or how you want to feel. It ultimately creates a safe space for you to grow and transform.
At the heart of my work is the message that you are enough—just as you are, in every stage of your journey.
Kathy Williams
5. How has your experience in previous exhibitions, like the Women of Color Art Expo, influenced your creative journey?
I’m actually embarrassed to admit this, but when I was invited to join the Women of Color Art Expo, I didn’t realize how amazing it was until I got there to set up. It hit me how rare it was to be among women artists and women of colour. That really made me reflect on my own art circle, and I realized I have less than a handful of diverse women in my network. Walking around and seeing everyone’s art took me by surprise. The new perspectives on beauty and strength were things I hadn’t seen before, and it reminded me that, at the end of the day, we bring a different viewpoint that deserves to be shared. I think a seed was planted that day, and it’s why I’m now more inspired to focus on women’s empowerment in my work and highlight women’s diversity in all aspects. This experience also changed how I approach my creative process. I’m now thinking about the story first and how I can represent it in a way that’s clear and obvious, which is a challenge with abstract art.
6. What do you hope viewers take away from your art, both in terms of aesthetics and emotional connection?
Aesthetically, I hope viewers can see the natural beauty in each piece—even when it’s messy or raw. There’s something powerful about embracing imperfections, and I want my art to reflect that. But more than anything, I want them to feel something—a connection, a sense of empowerment, or maybe just a moment of reflection on their own journey. My work is about personal transformation, so if someone looks at it and feels a spark of recognition, like ‘I’ve been there’ or ‘I can get there,’ then I’ve done my job. I hope it helps people see their strengths and evolution.
Kathy Williams’ art isn’t just about beautiful colours and abstract shapes—it’s about celebrating strength, accepting vulnerability, and finding beauty in imperfection. Her work invites people to let go of society’s expectations and connect with their own journey. As Kathy continues to explore themes of growth and empowerment, her message remains: we are all enough, exactly as we are. To learn more about Kathy, click the following links to visit her profile.
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