5 Questions with Kathleen
Kathleen Merrick is an intuitive painter whose work explores transformation, movement, and change. Rooted in the belief that art is meant to be lived with, her paintings are created for real spaces, outside murals, homes and office, where they become part of daily life. She views living with art as a quiet form of self-care, inviting presence, reflection, and emotional connection.
Merrick approaches painting as a deeply personal exchange. Each piece unfolds through inner conversations, moving between clarity and curiosity. She allows the work to move forward or backward without fear, trusting intuition over destination. For her, change is neither progress nor retreat, but a simple shift in direction.
A seven-day silent retreat in 2015 marked a turning point in her creative life, deepening her commitment to intentional living and creating from a place of listening. This experience continues to shape her practice, reinforcing patience, presence, and trust in the unseen.
Kathleen Merrick lives in Lowville, New York with her husband, Charlie. She works part time for Lewis County Hospice, has a BFA in Painting and is a licensed massage therapist for 25 years. She paints from her home studio, often in the early morning hours on several pieces at once. Her work can be viewed at www.kathmerrickart.com
1. What’s a silly fear you have that you fully stand by?
Garbage disposals in kitchen sinks are one of my greatest fears. I realize they’re common in many kitchens, but I could never have one. It’s a dark, cold place where there are knives and things being cut into tiny pieces. I can’t stand the sound or even the purpose of this gadget. Being near one actually makes me recoil and freak out.
2. If you had to give your personality a color palette, what would it be?
The color will always be purple. Over the last few years, my palette has expanded from purples into indigo blue and deep prussian blue. These colors are about playfulness and leaning deeply into intuition. For me, and my personality these colors represent creative flow and movement, which often lead to change.
3. What weirdly specific thing instantly puts you in a good mood?
Waking up super early in the morning. If I’m fully ready for my day between 4:00 and 5:00 a.m., I’m giddy. It goes back to being an eternal optimist! I love a fresh start, new beginnings, and seizing the day. Starting early also means going to bed between 7:00 and 8:00 p.m., which always puts me in a good mood.
4. What’s the best bad decision you’ve ever made?
In 2000, I left a safe, well-paid, long career in marketing to become a massage therapist. It gave me peace of mind, more time with family and friends, and a much-needed reset in my life. It also allowed me to make a real difference in people’s lives. I love adventures, and making a complete 360-degree turn in anything often is the best choice for me.
5. What’s the kindest thing someone’s done for you that they probably forgot about?
Paying for my groceries. I was newly divorced, a bit of a train wreck, and trying to get my life into some manageable order. I had just opened a new checking account and received a new debit card from a local bank. Unknown to me, my card hadn’t been fully programmed yet.
On my very first grocery trip after moving to Lowville, my card was declined. I was devastated and embarrassed. I knew there was money in the account, but the rejection itself felt awful. Without hesitation, the woman behind me paid for my groceries, about $150 bucks! She just did it and wouldn’t give her name.
Because it’s a small town, I eventually figured out who she was and repaid her. The ease and lack of hesitation with which she helped me made me believe she probably reaches out to help people often. I’ll never forget that feeling of kindness at a very vulnerable time in my life.