Kathleen Bradford, (K. Hede/Bradford) lives in Southwest Florida. She is at her studio every weekday.  Typically, you will find Kathleen in the midst of creating several pieces of artwork at one time, especially when she is working on a large wall assemblage.  When asked why she works on multiple pieces of artwork simultaneously, Kathleen answered,   “Because I need to know exactly what to do next on each piece. If I am unsure, I take the time to think more about the composition. In the meantime, I complete other designed work.  It works very well for me and ensures the quality of each piece of artwork.”

Kathleen brings the vibrant, rich colors of the tropical environment into the detailed designs of her wall assemblages.  She uses acrylic paints, adhesives, metals, glass, mirror shards, beads, rocks, fabric, wood, wire and seashells to actualize each original artwork.  The finished abstract composition provokes an exceptional aesthetic experience.

Kathleen also applies her mixed media designs to items formerly enjoyed by others. She redesigns mirrors, vases and other home accessories to renew their purpose and aesthetic merit.

All of Kathleen's artwork is collectible and signed, K. Hede/Bradford

Kathleen has won awards in several local, national and international competitions.  Her artwork is in several private collections. To meet her, you can stop by her working studio and gallery at Cottage #2, Riverside Park, Bonita Springs, FL 34135  - the public is always welcome.

Click here for Kathleen's vita.

Q: What is an “assemblage”?

A:   “Assemblage” is a term used to describe artwork that uses many unrelated elements to create an aesthetic experience.  It is not a collage.  It is not a mosaic. 

Q: Why do you use seashells in your artwork assemblage?

A: The mystique of the seashell is revealed within each individual shell.  With years in the ocean waters, seashells develop imperfections that relate a story of their survival. They are simple and organic.

Q: Where do you get the seashells?

A: I pick up almost all of the seashells that I use as organic elements within my artwork at Barefoot Beach in Collier County, Florida.  On occasion, I will buy seashells for a particular color or shape that I am unable to find on the beach.

Q: Where do you get your ideas to create artwork?

A: Most of my ideas are developed in my head – I see each idea’s shape, color and elements in my mind.  Then, my mental vision grows to a point where I am prepared to sketch it on paper.  However, some ideas are just realized in the moment, as a spontaneous reaction to color and materials.

Q: What do you use to adhere all of the organic elements in the assemblage?

A:   I use an adhesive that I have developed over several years.  It is a mixture of commercial blends and it accepts color.

Q: How long does it take you to do a large wall assemblage artwork?

A:  It will take approximately three months from signing the contract for a commission to its completion and installation.  However, if I am designing artwork to sell from my gallery, it can take more or less time because I typically, work on several pieces of artwork at once.  I never make an artistic decision without complete confidence – and that may mean I have to think about the aesthetics of the composition to ensure the quality of the completed design.

Q:  Can I put your artwork outdoors?

A:  Yes, if I know in advance that you are going to put the artwork outdoors, I can adjust the adhesive to respond favorably to the elements.

Q: What do you use to make your assemblage artwork?

A:   I use many organic elements such as wood, glass, seashells, rocks and fabric.  In addition, I use mirror shards, wire, glass beads and formerly enjoyed items of all kinds and shapes.

Q: What if I wanted a specific color or design?  Do you do special orders?

A:   Yes!  I really enjoy developing a specific design with custom mixed colors that meets the client’s needs.  I have a process in place to ensure open communication between the client and myself.

Q:  What if I need to have you ship your artwork? 

A:  I can ship your artwork to any address you would like.  Standard rates apply.

Q:  How do I keep my artwork clean?  What about the mirror shards?

A:  Very easily.  Treat your new artwork like it is a sculpture.  Each piece of the assemblage is a sculptural statement.  So, please –

• use a cool hair dryer to blow off the dust;
• try not to clean the mirror shards – let them age gracefully, with the rest of the artwork;
• if a mirror shard does have a smudge from a handprint on it and you CANNOT stand to look at it, use a Q-tip dipped in Windex to clean that particular mirror shard.  Please, do not clean all of the mirrors!
• please note, the mirror shards may or may not respond to the adhesive over time – if they do, some may develop black lines. These lines will enhance the depth of the design.

Q: If I like the artwork so much, will you make me one more just like it?

A:   I am flattered that you are so pleased with the artwork that you would like another just like it.  However, I do not make duplicates of any of my work.  When a client requests additional artwork, I create a choice for the client that includes similar designs using the same materials.  The additional artwork would complement the existing piece but not be identical.