Katherine Schiller is a talented artist whose work is deeply inspired by nature and wildlife. In this interview, she opens up about her creative journey and how life experiences have shaped her art. From her childhood passion for drawing to her decision to transition from active duty in the Air Force to pursuing art full-time, Katherine shares the personal and professional challenges that led her to where she is today. She talks about how her love for nature and wildlife influences her work, how she balances family life with her art practice, and the powerful impact of having her art reach an international audience. She also opens up about how creativity can be a healing force, a source of connection, and a way to raise awareness for important causes like endangered species and environmental conservation.

Katherine Schiller is a featured artist in our book “Lines And Curves.” 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

Katherine is an artist whose journey with drawing began at a young age. It wasn’t until 2016 that she fully immersed herself in painting, finding profound inspiration in the natural world. Her work often features wildlife and nature, capturing the beauty and essence of her subjects. At 26, Katherine joined the Air Force, serving six years on active duty. The call to pursue her passion for art led her to transfer to the reserves, allowing her to focus on her creative endeavors full-time. She is based in Augusta, where she lives with her husband, two toddlers, a dog, and two cats. When not painting, Katherine enjoys photography, reading, and gardening, which continue to inspire and influence her artistic journey.

1. Katherine, you began your artistic journey at a young age, but it wasn’t until 2016 that you fully got into painting. What about that moment in time led you to leap into painting full-time? 

Those years leading up to 2016 were some of the hardest and loneliest of my life. I was struggling financially, my relationships weren’t in a great place, and my self-worth was at an all-time low. On top of that, my sister, who had been living with me for two years, had just moved out. I remember coming home from work to this overwhelming sense of emptiness, and I knew I needed to do something to find myself again. A couple of years earlier, my sister had introduced me to yoga. While she loved the physical side of it, I discovered that the mindfulness aspect was precisely what I’d been missing. It helped me turn inward and honestly know myself for the first time. One evening after my sister moved out, I stood in her empty bedroom. Within minutes, I decided to turn it into an art studio. At that moment, it felt like I reconnected with the child version of myself, as though she handed me a paintbrush and said she had been waiting for the day I’d pick up where I left off. Painting became the thing that filled the void, and I finally had something in my life that I looked forward to every day.

Art has this amazing way of transcending borders and languages, and it’s such an honor to have my work be part of that. It’s a reminder of how powerful creativity can be in bringing people together.

Katherine Schiller

2. After serving in the Air Force, you transitioned to the reserves to pursue art full-time. How did your military experience shape your art?  

The military is interesting because it has a way of stripping you of individualism right from basic training. From that day on, you’re no longer just an individual—you’re part of a team, like a ligament that functions best as part of the whole body. On your own, you can’t make it. At the same time, they push you to deeply understand and hold onto your core values so you can show up as the best version of yourself to serve your country daily. The military shaped my art and my entire sense of self in ways I never imagined. It reminded me of who I am and showed me that I already had something valuable to bring to the table. They were there to guide and mold me into the best version of myself. The art I create today reflects that journey—a culmination of my life experiences and the growth I went through during my time in the service.

3.   Your work centers on wildlife and nature. How does the natural world inspire your art and the messages you want to share? 

I think the Earth is incredible. We have 8 billion people on this planet—different cultures, different languages—but our common denominator is the Earth we share. There’s only one of them, and I feel this profound responsibility to protect and care for them. Being able to paint nature and wildlife is such a gift. It lets me share its beauty with others, but it’s also a learning experience. Sometimes, I don’t even know the specific species I’m painting, so I’ll look it up, opening a new world of knowledge. Then, I get to share what I’ve learned with others. If you know me personally, you know that if I had the opportunity to present something, I’ll probably talk about endangered species. It’s a cause I care deeply about. Through my art, I hope to raise awareness about these issues—things we might not think about in our day-to-day lives but that matter so much to the future of our planet.

4.   With two toddlers and pets at home, how do you balance family life with your art practice?  

Balancing family life and my art practice comes down to knowing my priorities and being intentional about them. I’m a big believer in taking care of yourself first so you can help others, but, as a mom, that’s not always realistic! I have two little humans who rely entirely on me (and my husband) right now. For me, time blocking is a game-changer. Without it, I’d be all over the place! I treat my art practice like any other job when the kids are at daycare. I start my art day at the same time every morning, take breaks at set times, and ‘clock out’ when the day is done. It’s my way of staying focused and making the most of the precious 24 hours we all get. It’s not always perfect, but being deliberate with my time allows me to show up fully for my family and art.

I think the Earth is absolutely incredible. We have 8 billion people on this planet—different cultures, different languages—but our common denominator is the Earth we share.

Katherine Schiller

5.   Your art has been featured internationally—how does it feel to have your work reach so many different people?

It still feels unreal that my art has reached people across the seas. It’s incredibly humbling to know that something I created can connect with others in places I’ve never been. Art has this fantastic way of transcending borders and languages, and it’s an honor to have my work be part of that. It’s a reminder of how powerful creativity can be in bringing people together.

6.   You’ve won several awards with the Airmen Art Guild. How have these experiences influenced your growth as an artist?  

As much as I strive to stay intrinsically motivated, winning awards with the Airmen Art Guild was incredibly validating—especially in those early days of putting myself out there. It gave me the confidence to keep pushing forward and helped me realize that my work resonates with others. Those experiences were like stepping stones in my journey, showing me that pursuing art was the right path and encouraging me to keep growing and refining my craft.

Katherine’s artwork reflects a deep connection to the natural world, highlighting the beauty and fragility of wildlife and the environment. Through her detailed paintings, she aims to raise awareness about endangered species and the urgent need for conservation. Her journey as an artist is about creating beautiful images and sharing essential messages to encourage others to care for the planet. Katherine’s passion for art and nature shines through her work, making it a powerful tool for education, reflection, and change. To learn more about Katherine Schiller, click the following links to visit her profile.

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