Artist of the Week: Kati Chau

Kati Chau is a digital photographer in Seattle.

Seattle Refined: How long have you been creating? What mediums do you work with?
Chau: I first started photography in the 7th grade, and since then I haven’t been able to put the camera down. In terms of mediums that I work with up until this point, I have mainly worked in the digital realm of photography. Sometimes I’ll print the occasional book, or large-scale print for a project.

Can you tell us about your artistic process and how the different stages work into it?
So, I’m a list person. I love making lists of things I want to create in my sketchbook. Usually, I’ll just ideate with a list of words that come from an idea that sticks with me. Sometimes, I’ll try to challenge myself by rephrasing my list into questions, answering them and kind of going from there. I find that I have a hard time deciphering what I want to do with each new project I start. So, finding a way to focus my thoughts helps me as a jumping-off point.

Tell us about where your inspiration for your art comes from.
I was inspired by my parents to pursue photography. Growing up, my mom made scrapbooks and my dad had a little point-and-shoot he would bring with us on family trips and or events. In the summer of 2017, my mom passed away due to medical complications due to a complex procedure from a few years back. After her passing, I found myself flipping through her old scrapbooks. After some time I thought that I should try to take over and see what comes of it.

Do you have a specific “beat” or genre you like best – nature, food, profiles, etc.?
I find that I like the portraiture of people. But I find that I don’t necessarily like to pose for them or anything specific. I sort of find that I like personally connecting with them — treating it almost like a hangout with a friend I haven’t seen in a while. I like to find beauty in the present.

Do you have one piece of art that means more to you or is extremely special to you?
My undergraduate senior showpiece “Interwoven Solitude” is my most prized project. It’s a project that I’ve been working on for almost seven years now. It visually expresses the longing to lose the everlasting spirit of someone I held close to my heart.

What experiences in your life have affected your art the most?
I think the biggest experience that’s affected my art has been attending college. I’m a first-generation student who graduated from a four-year program. Being in school has taught me so much about myself, forced me to try new forms of art, and to seek out different kinds of opportunities that I don’t think I would have otherwise pursued.

If we want to see more of your work, where should we go to find it?
Currently, the best way to find my art is through my Instagram @nightlywishes_pt.2. Currently, it’s where I post a lot of my photography and other in-progress work.

What is next for you? Anything you’re working on right now that you’re excited about?
Over the past couple several months, I’ve been challenging myself to expand my portfolio. I’ve found that I like the Seattle music scene for its environment, people and community! I think the process of finding an artist who embraces their craft with their heart is so special, especially for smaller bands or musicians. Being invited to events in a big city and finding opportunities has been such a unique and fulfilling adventure.

Lastly, how do you take your coffee? (We ask everyone!)
I actually don’t care for the taste of coffee. Whenever I find a new cafe, I play a silly little game called try everything else besides the coffee. Though my essentials to order include coconut milk and sometimes a pump of vanilla, or if it’s in season mint.

About ‘Artist of the Week’: This city is packed with artists we love to feature weekly on Seattle Refined! If you have a local artist in mind that you would like to see featured, let us know at hello@seattlerefined.com. And if you’re wondering just what constitutes art, that’s the beauty of it; it’s up to you! See all of our past Artists of the Week in our dedicated section.