MY SECOND CAREER

Kat Moser, Photographer

MY SECOND CAREER

"Being a good artist is the toughest job you could pick, and you have to be a little nuts to take it on.”- Charles Satchi. Extract from the book,

'My name is Charles Saatchi, and I am an Artoholic.'

So why did I choose this endeavor for my second career at 75?

This adventure has been fermenting for years. While, I was engaged in the creative industries, first with my fashion retail business then as an art gallery owner. During this time, I played around as a part-time artist and photographer. Finally, after retiring from all aspects of the business world, I decided to explore my newfound freedom. This time, time was mine to investigate the creative visions that were building up inside of me.

The time came when I finally no longer had to apologize for not being a full-time photographer. Realizing that the 40 years in the fashion business were a credit to the development of my photography. I worked with women daily. I learned to understand their strengths and weaknesses. It was this experience that helped me get to the core of the universal beauty of women. The abundant wealth those cumulative years provided has developed my eye. A way of seeing the world, which embraces a nascent language of fantasy and mysticism.

My photography work began with simple black-and-white infrared photography. The work featured defined lines and starkness.
One of my most memorable conversations in the early '70s was with Clarence John Laughlin. Who has given me the courage to boldly and bravely listen to my own voice.
"If you want to create beauty, create beauty. Be the balance for the other side!". Instructing me that "beauty" may not always be "fashionable" but follow my own passion.
My work has now unfolded into complex amalgamations, layering densities of an image to create a curated happy accident. This amorphous process of amalgamation has transformed my creative vision. From here, I learned to embrace the Japanese philosophy of Wabi-Sabi, where imperfection is a celebrated beauty. This life-changing philosophy reigns over my new life.
In addition to developing my craft as a full-time photographer, I discovered a joy for storytelling through my images and writing.
My stream of conscious journal entries reintroduce ancient myths and legends, and hopefully, transform the reader from reality to ethereal fantasies. And so, I am at the milestone of 75, arriving in a place where I can comfortably express myself. Choosing to live my dream to create beauty in an environment of pure joy.
I love my new direction and my choice of how I intend to spend the rest of my life. Who could ask for more bliss in their later years of life?