K2BCREATIVEBLOG

Photography, design, and inspiration of Kate Karwan Burgess.

[k2bcreativeblog]

First solo exhibit launched at IHCC! It was a lot of work. My husband, mother, and all three kids helped to make it happen along with co-gallery coordinator Alexis Clements. Thank you! Thanks to the @ottumwa_courier and @ktvotv for helping to get the word out. Great job Maddy. #theoldguard #renderinghonorsproject #army #tomboftheunknowns #funerals #arlingtonnationalcemetery #anc #arlington #3rdinfantryregiment (at Indian Hills Community College) https://www.instagram.com/p/CpNxGKBu_M3/?igshid=NGJjMDIxMWI=

[k2bcreativeblog]

Rendering Honors project. Soldiers folding a flag printed in flag material. Going to hang this in the exhibit. February 27-March 29 at Indian Hills Community College Art Gallery. #renderinghonorsproject #flag #flagfolding #flagfold #foldsofhonor #tog #theoldguardarmy (at Indian Hills Community College) https://www.instagram.com/p/CoGKon6LCfO/?igshid=NGJjMDIxMWI=

[k2bcreativeblog]

Personal: Trespassing doesn’t count for neighbors. Last night we had a thunder and lightning storm right around 8:00 pm CST. It was a pretty good one. There was an official warning put out. This morning, I noticed a tree across the street in an open lot. #lightningstrikestree #midweststorms #treehitbylightning #k2bphotodiary #trees #rottencenter (at Ottumwa, Iowa) https://www.instagram.com/p/CfHN86bLz0J/?igshid=NGJjMDIxMWI=

[k2bcreativeblog]

Personal: One of the first beautiful spring mornings of the year. I’m at the table editing Tim’s personal statement for PA school. Coffee in hand. Kids still sleeping from a late night of watch a local production of Pippin. The screen door is open and I can discern at least five different bird calls. The squirrels are running over my mulch piles in the garden that didn’t get spread before winters first frost. The leaves in the trees are finally starting to come in. One of the three pairs of cardinals just dropped in for a flash of color. It’s moments like these I try to slow down and drink in. As I type this the light has changed as if a reminder to get back to work. Anyhow it is a nice morning and I wanted to share it with you. Have a great rest of your day. Get outside and enjoy it. #k2bphotodiary #gratitude #enjoythemoment (at Ottumwa, Iowa) https://www.instagram.com/p/Cc-fxXcrE-R/?igshid=NGJjMDIxMWI=

[k2bcreativeblog]

These are my “V” trees. I’ve been trying to figure out lately why I’m so drawn to these two trees. I think I figured it out. I spoke at my high school graduation way back in the day. The majority of my speech was the Robert Frost poem, “A Road Less Traveled.” I often felt that I took the less worn road, not because I’m contrary and rebellious, but because I was curious and it genuinely appealed to me more. I also have a fascination with time travel and timelines. When I look back at the decisions I have made, the schools and majors I selected, the jobs I took on, the people I decided to trust and how one or two decisions different I genuinely think my career would be in a different place. Sometimes you know in the moment that a certain decision is going to be big and others only reveal themselves with time. Frankly, it blows my mind to think about it all. Two roads diverge in the woods. Two woods diverge from each other. It’s taken nearly 50 years, but I’m starting to realize I am right where I am suppose to be and always have been even though the road has often been rough. All we can do is look as far as we can, make a decision, and keep moving forward. #trees #roadlesstraveled (at Ottumwa, Iowa) https://www.instagram.com/p/Ca3fVzZLfvR/?utm_medium=tumblr

[k2bcreativeblog]

Outside with students practicing our composition and creative tools. #reflections #yummylight (at Indian Hills Community College) https://www.instagram.com/p/CaoGG9rr7iK/?utm_medium=tumblr

[k2bcreativeblog]

Back at it again. I’m determined to finish this book project before my kids can drive!! #lifecantstopme #renderinghonorsproject #renderinghonors #tog #theoldguard #arlington #anc #honorthefallen #priceoffreedom #peopleleftbehind https://www.instagram.com/p/CR1PzPDr7Jj/?utm_medium=tumblr

[k2bcreativeblog]

Personal: When you get up from your desk to check on the kids and find this scene in the backyard. Grammie and Quinlynn hanging out under a tree watching the wildlife. #k2bphotodiary #goodlife #trees #treasuredmoments #grandparentslove #makesitallworthit (at Ottumwa, Iowa) https://www.instagram.com/p/CNlN88Gr7O7/?igshid=nyqcv2kegge4

[k2bcreativeblog]

To me, it looks like a mountain range somewhere in the world. It’s actually a mole range on hole 11 at the neighboring golf course. I would have loved to watch this being made. I wonder how long it took? #mountainoutofamolehill #golf #k2bphotodiary https://www.instagram.com/p/CM1_Q7oLY3w/?igshid=1f8eeppqeftzg

[k2bcreativeblog]

Rendering Honors: Inspired today watching the inauguration. I’m hopeful as a nation we can get healthy and heal on multiple levels. I was moved not only by the words said, but the songs sung, and poem performed. The artist in me wanted to contribute to this historic day in some way. I humbly share flag details from my #renderinghonorsproject of #theoldguard. .....the flag is still there.... (at Joint Base Myer – Henderson Hall (JBMHH) Fort Myer area) https://www.instagram.com/p/CKR7cj-FEZ4/?igshid=17aer3b5nnwu8

[k2bcreativeblog]

Went sledding with my daughter earlier in the week. It was great to be outside despite the low temperatures. I shouldn’t be surprised, but admittedly I was. We took a moment to watch the setting sun highlight a plane and turn its contrails pink. We saw these trees earlier. I’m drawn to trees in general, but I was immediately drawn to the layering and shapes here. The closeup feels a little suggestive to me, but I finished the first season of Bridgerton this week so perhaps that is influencing my frame of mind. 😁 Here’s to getting outside more despite the temperatures. #k2bphotodiary #trees #winter #snow (at Ottumwa, Iowa) https://www.instagram.com/p/CKCAnfrlsWI/?igshid=1kdfy7m6ya0qd

[k2bcreativeblog]

Client Highlight: Dry January seems more difficult than years in the past, but you didn’t always have @sipsongspirits either. Besides her double gold gin she also has a delicious tea that made with tonic water gives all the pleasure and none of the guilt. In addition to tasting great it is a beautiful color that makes me smile. It was my honor and pleasure to work with Tara @sipsongspirits. We made her portrait and mocktail drink in her backyard. (at Healdsburg, California) https://www.instagram.com/p/CJ_eQ7UFHnt/?igshid=19qzpi2dvano7

[k2bcreativeblog]

Personal: #ridefromhome my first bike ride since moving to Iowa. Kids were with relatives, Tim was studying, and I had an hour to destress and get some vitamin D. The route was an out and back. Not much traffic and I sported my new sun protection arm bands that look like I have tattoos covering both arms. (I look like a bad ass. :-). I listened to a couple of podcast by The Mindset Mentor on my ride. The first one was about setting up a morning routine. This is something I’ve been experimenting with and even having a checklist to make sure do all the little things I want to get done so I stay focused. He talked about positive mantras, cold showers, and Yerba mate tea, and the second was about needing to love and have gratitude for whatever it is that you want to change whether it is your body or your job. It made a lot of sense. Here’s to get back on the bike, morning routines, and finding gratitude in the things we don’t like and want to change. #clouds #iowa #barns #bluesky (at Wapello County, Iowa) https://www.instagram.com/p/CGOPkKUF8UY/?igshid=1t7mrlgn7u17c

[k2bcreativeblog]

Personal: moved into our house on Friday. Still surrounded by boxes. I acknowledge my moving muscles have atrophied. However I’m very, very grateful. With all the fires, racial injustice, people without work, businesses lost, and need for basics of food, I have absolutely nothing to complain about. Nothing. Among many things, I’m great full for this scene from my backyard yesterday. I saw the reflection of the clouds in the pond. I went to make an image and found a doe grazing. Finished listening to the book “White Fragility.” Highly recommend. I learned a lot. White people need to be proactive in educating ourselves especially regarding the systemic and structural racism of our country and how it filters down individual subconscious. There are a lot of great books out there. Start with any of them. Download from your library, Amazon, or Audible. You will be better for it. #iphone #k2bphotodiary #deer #clouds #trees #whitefragility https://www.instagram.com/p/CFw5TKclAyR/?igshid=1uzyk9q2ri863

[k2bcreativeblog]

Personal: We have been in Iowa since Aug 18 and moved three times to various hotels and family’s home. We will stay here until we move into our new home another 25-30 days. I grew up with not a lot but always had a home. Moving all our stuff in and out of hotels while we traveled cross country to get here and the additional three changes, many times being late and trying to find a place stay has been stressful. Im so thankful it is only temporary, but it has given me insight and new found empathy for people who are TRULY homeless. You can’t function normally when you don’t have a place to lay your head. This morning the kids fought and every little thing annoyed them. After the dust settled I saw this moment of two of three lovingly playing with each other. #documenaryfamilyphotography #savorthemoment #grateful #gratitude #k2bphotodiary (at Ottumwa, Iowa) https://www.instagram.com/p/CEhOBdtFYtX/?igshid=1m59d8sjgze7j

[k2bcreativeblog]

Not quite the painting I really enjoy, but painting the walls and baseboards in the house is rewarding. I woke this morning with a swollen hand from all the painting. Another day and I should be close to done. Just touch up after that. I’ll be so glad when it’s done. It is so@worth the extra money for the higher quality paint. Covers and dries so much better. https://www.instagram.com/p/CDIa07XF_mg/?igshid=q1iu649l6now

[k2bcreativeblog]

Spent yesterday morning golfing @northwoodgolfclubwi yesterday with my wonderful husband and brother. A gorgeous day, beautiful redwoods lining the fairways, birds on the ground, in the trees, flying overhead. The sun flickered through the branches and greens are in wonderful condition. The food is excellent too. Want to go back soon. #iloveredwoods #redwoods #golf (at Northwood Golf Club) https://www.instagram.com/p/CC0x2NOFDsd/?igshid=hf7cyn37c5p1