Meet artist Kate Mockford from the UK
Tell us about yourself and your creations
My name is Kate, I’m 39-and-three-quarters! I grew up in Sussex, UK and moved to Cornwall when I was 18 to be by the sea and study Illustration at Falmouth College of Arts. After that, I started my professional career as an illustrator by gaining a London based agent and getting my first real paid editorial illustration job. That was exciting. I was hooked. Since then I have changed agent, trained and taught as an Art and Photography teacher and started a family with my wonderful fella. So, I now have two beautiful, crazy girls to add to the mix which is an endless source of inspiration. I would describe my work as simple, colourful and fun with a splash of pattern here and there.
I am mostly inspired by people, relationships and the different and funny connections human beings have with each other and the things around them. When I am working on my own projects, I draw inspiration from my everyday life and funny things I notice or hear that I can connect with.
What is the biggest challenge you face as an artist/entrepreneur?
I find my biggest challenge as an illustrator is staying motivated through the cold, long, UK winters and quiet spells when I am not getting commissions. Also, I am not a massive fan of all the ins-and-outs of self-promotion, although I know it is an important part of getting work.
When did you start surfing?
I started surfing when I moved to Cornwall. I did not have very much money then, so me and my boyfriend at the time scraped together enough to buy a second-hand board which we shared. We would take it in turns to catch a few waves and learnt to surf together. I was hooked from the beginning. I could not live away from the ocean now. I tried, but I felt sad.
Longboard or shortboard?
I was a shortborder for a very long time. Fish, twin-fin and retro style boards summed up my board style. A few years ago I bought a big ol’ slick bottom, 8” soft top for my 5 year old to learn on, had a go on it myself and have pretty much owned it ever since. I got over the embarrassment of walking into pumping surf with a learner board the minute I was able to catch way more waves compared to my shortboard. As a mum I do not have as much time in the surf as I used to so I find the more waves per sesh keeps me topped up till the next time. The next step is to actually get a proper longboard…but I’m having way too much fun on my soft top to bother with trying out new boards yet.
Dawn patrol or sunset surf?
Any time I can get out the house when the surf is pumping without causing too many unhappy faces.
Where is your favorite surf break?
My local spot in Bude, Cornwall is called Black Rock. It is my most favourite place to be in and out of the water. Sure, there are prettier beaches in the world and most probably better waves, but there is always a friendly face I know, I love where I live and they sell good ice cream in the little shop there.
Your favorite quote to live by?
Work hard, play hard…then sit down and have a cuppa tea.
(It used to be just the first bit, but now I enjoy a rest every now and again).
Hidden talent?
Getting completely lost. My sense of direction is appalling. I think I get that from my Mum. I am not exaggerating when I say that if I really think we should go left, it almost definitely means we should go right. You would have thought a year away surfing/ traveling down from California to Chile then over to New Zealand would have helped. Nope.
Current obsession?
Grapes and blueberries with plain yogurt and a splash of honey. I LOVE IT.
Instagram: @katemockford
My website: www.katemockford.co.uk
