Kathleen Faulkner was born and raised in Seattle, where she taught herself to draw at an early age. Her goal from the beginning was to be an artist. That early determination led her to pursue formal art training at the Cornish School in Seattle, where she refined her skills and developed a disciplined approach to her creative practice.
Much of her childhood and adult life was spent in the wilderness, surrounded by the vast and untamed beauty of the Pacific Northwest. The forests, mountains, and coastlines became both her sanctuary and her greatest source of inspiration. Through these experiences, Faulkner developed a profound love for the environment and a lasting commitment to preserving and documenting the natural beauty of our world.
Her deep connection with nature is more than a recurring theme in her art; it is the very foundation of her creative philosophy. She reflects that what we see in nature today is less than it once was, but still more than it may be in the future. This awareness infuses her work with both appreciation and urgency, as she seeks to convey her love for the natural world and remind viewers of the fragility and value of what remains.
Artistic Mediums and Craftsmanship
Faulkner works primarily in oil pastel, oil, and graphite, mediums that allow her to explore different textures, tonal depths, and moods. Her compositions often capture the quiet magnificence of natural landscapes, balancing realism with a contemplative sensitivity. She has an eye for the subtle interplay between light and shadow, texture and form qualities that bring a calm vibrancy to her work.
In addition to her painting and drawing, Faulkner is also a skilled jewelry artist. In the mid-1980s, she began an apprenticeship in jewelry-making that lasted several years, during which she learned the fine craftsmanship of metalwork and design. After completing her apprenticeship, she established her career as a jewelry artist, fabricating pieces that reflect the same artistic integrity and respect for natural beauty found in her visual art.
Her dual practice in both fine art and jewelry demonstrates her versatility and her sensitivity to materials. Whether she is shaping metal and stone or layering pastel and pigment, Faulkner approaches her work with the same deliberate care and thoughtful attention. Both art forms share a unifying thread: her reverence for the organic world and her dedication to creating works that embody simplicity, balance, and truth.
Nature as Subject and Spirit
Nature is not merely a subject for Kathleen Faulkner; it is an ongoing dialogue. The wilderness, the shifting seasons, and the quiet rhythm of natural life are recurring presences in her work. Her art invites viewers to slow down, to observe, and to reconnect with the world around them.
Her time in the wilderness has taught her patience and observation, qualities that manifest in the stillness and authenticity of her compositions. Each piece reflects an emotional landscape as much as a physical one. Through the layering of color and line, she translates her experiences of solitude, discovery, and awe into visual form.
Faulkner’s works evoke a deep respect for the interconnectedness of life. They remind us that our environment is not a distant or abstract concept but a living system of which we are a part. In her art, beauty is not separated from meaning it is an expression of gratitude and awareness.
Nightlife: The Forest After Dark
One of Faulkner’s notable works, Nightlife, created in oil pastel on panel, offers a fresh interpretation of what the word suggests. Often, the idea of nightlife is associated with bustling cities, bright lights, and social activity. Faulkner shifts this perception toward the natural world, suggesting that the forests, too, have their own nighttime energy and rhythm.
In Nightlife, the focus is on the nocturnal world of the forest, its quiet yet vibrant existence under the moonlight. The painting reveals the subtle magic of the nighttime ecosystem, where animals move silently, plants breathe and release their scents, and the natural order continues unseen by most. Through this piece, Faulkner expresses her fascination with the unseen life that flourishes when human activity rests.
Rendered with her characteristic sensitivity to light and atmosphere, Nightlife captures both the mystery and the serenity of the wilderness after dark. It reflects her belief that nature has its own kind of celebration, one that is harmonious, enduring, and far removed from the artificial rhythms of city life.
A Voice for the Natural World
Throughout her career, Kathleen Faulkner has maintained a consistent vision: to honor and preserve the beauty of the natural environment through her art. Her paintings, drawings, and jewelry all speak to the same message: a deep reverence for the Earth and a recognition of its delicate balance.
Her works serve as quiet calls to awareness, encouraging viewers to notice the intricate details that often go unseen. The bend of a branch, the shift of a cloud, and the reflection of water all become subjects of contemplation. Faulkner’s art teaches us to see beyond the surface, to feel the rhythm of the land, and to appreciate what remains before it fades further.
Continuing the Journey
Today, Kathleen Faulkner continues to live and work in the Pacific Northwest, where the landscape remains a constant source of inspiration. Her journey as an artist reflects a lifelong conversation with the natural world, a relationship built on respect, gratitude, and artistic devotion.
Through her mastery of both visual and wearable art, she continues to share her vision of nature’s enduring spirit. Each piece she creates, whether a pastel drawing or a handcrafted piece of jewelry, is a reminder of the world’s beauty, resilience, and need for protection.
Her art invites us to look closer, to listen to the silence of the wilderness, and to rediscover our place within it. In doing so, Kathleen Faulkner not only celebrates the world as it is but also encourages hope for what it still can be.
