Meet Kaytee Papusza: Artist, Clothing Designer and Writer

We had the good fortune of connecting with Kaytee Papusza and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Kaytee, we’d love to hear about how you approach risk and risk-taking
Risk taking has definitely played a key role in how I’ve developed as an artist. When I was a young designer and finding myself as an artist a lot of the work that I did and choices that I made where centered around experimentation and exploration. Inevitably I believe there will always be a factor of risk in being an explorer – that’s what keeps it interesting and exciting. All of the artists I admire most are ones who have built their aesthetic and honed their craft through thinking outside of the box, pushing limits and defying the concept of what is normal or possible. This is very much so my approach, though I admit I’ve become a bit more practical over the years… However, in being practical, I still make a point of making practical choices that allow me to push myself by stepping outside of my comfort zone and force me to learn. For example, I focus on learning new languages I can use while traveling, or new skills that will allow me to expand as an artisan. I also tend to be attracted to extreme places that ooze with some form of risk; I’ve realized a lot of people associate risk with danger, but for me it’s all about meeting the challenge, and I won’t be sad if I get an adrenaline rush while doing it.

Let’s talk shop? Tell us more about your career, what can you share with our community?
Authenticity is what I value most in life, and I can definitively say that the thing I am the most proud of has been my commitment to stay authentic to my vision over the past decade and a half, which is how long Papusza has been my baby. I’ve lived and worked in all types of conditions and with all kinds of people. Sometimes it’s been wonderful and sometimes it’s been downright awful. Through all of it I have managed to find a way to grow and stay true to what is most important to me – the act of finding purpose in obscure places and things. Mythology and the decay of industrialization through the rise of the natural world are probably the most linear themes in my work. De-stressed materials and abandoned places have played an intrinsic role. It’s all about cycles and symbology. I seek to find the spirit in things, it’s very meaningful to me… I think in understanding the spirit we are given an opportunity to reflect upon our own imperfections and wounds. This allows us a greater capacity to both feel compassion for others/the planet and heal ourselves. I’ve gotten to where I am today through many series of trial and error. It certainly was not easy, but I believe making mistakes, experimenting and taking risks is the easiest way to grow, and growing pains are never easy. I’m the type of person who has to experience things before I know if they are right for me – there’s a lot of struggle and discomfort in that process, but ultimately I believe it pays off. It’s also provided me with lot’s of entertaining experiences, as well as the good fortune of seeing so many beautiful places and meeting many interesting people. My ability to overcome challenges has been graced by my desire to obtain the impossible. For example, if someone asks me to make something very difficult – or better yet tells me it is impossible to make something – I will fully enjoy embracing the work until the impossible has been accomplished. I’ve worked with everything from silverware and broken glass to taxidermy; I truly believe that if there is a will there is a way to pull it off, and beautifully at that. The most valuable thing I have learned is that ultimately what is most important is for you to believe in yourself. If you can do that you have the capacity to make anything real. I see my art (aka “brand”) as a map for uncharted territory, and also a voice to help conserve our planet and help people think outside of the box about how they can re-use and recycle materials. For example, I recently launched a line of silk lined masks made out of vintage materials. The materials are 100% natural and they are high quality and washable, so they can be re-used hundreds of times and will not take the same toll on the planet as the disposables or synthetics. The silk lining is also gentle on sensitive skin types (not to mention the obvious, of protecting other people by wearing a mask). I think the world is full of opportunities for exploration and growth, but in order for us humans to do that we have to also honor our planet, resources and the creatures we co-exist on it with. It’s a balance, we must take care of the planet and one another in order to be taken care of.

Any places to eat or things to do that you can share with our readers? If they have a friend visiting town, what are some spots they could take them to?
This is hard to answer, because with Covid I am in a state of transition, living outside of a city for the first time in my adult life. I was living in Los Angeles when the pandemic hit, but getting ready to move to Eastern Europe to pursue a textile brand I will be launching as soon as i can travel again. A couple of months ago I left LA, and came back to be closer to my family in the Pacific Northwest. It is so lovely here and there are so many incredibly, beautiful, wild outdoor places to see. I think the Oregon coast is my favorite… I’ve enjoyed having a chance to create some beautiful art there since I’ve been back. Old growth forest goes into sand dunes and then becomes rugged, rocky beach, dancing with the ocean. I love the majestic woods and clouds of the Salish Sea area, up where the San Juan Islands are. As a city I adore Seattle – it’s one of my favorite in the US, and a place I had the privilege of living when I was in college. I think McMenamins is my favorite place to hangout; my two favorites are in the Portland area. It’s a company that takes historic buildings and revives them by turning them into bath houses, hotels, bars, restaurants, theaters, etc. They usually have the most beautiful soaking pools, and I live for a gorgeous soak.

The Shoutout series is all about recognizing that our success and where we are in life is at least somewhat thanks to the efforts, support, mentorship, love and encouragement of others. So is there someone that you want to dedicate your shoutout to?
My fellow creative and collaborator; photographer Elizabeth Raab – someone who has been an inspiration and constant to me for as I have been a working artist. My beloved muse and collaborator, Ashley Garner – a person who has inspired me endlessly, helped me to grow, take risks and ultimately brought my work to another level. Numerous other artists I have had the privilege of creating with over the years – there are far to many to say them all but a few that stand out include Vera Pash, Gemma Fleming and Regina Marie. My muses Caitin Stickels and her twin soul, the late Mika Mae Jones. My mentor and ally of many years, the one and only great designer and yogi Rachel Singer. My parents, both people who have played an intrinsic role in my skill sets, my sense of self and the way that I am able to engage with the world around me.

Website: www.papuszacouture.com
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/papusza_papusza/
Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/kaytee-papusza-19223b15/
Twitter: N/A
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/papuszacouture
Yelp: N/A
Youtube: N/A
Other: Etsy: https://www.etsy.com/shop/PapuszaCouture

Image Credits
Portrait of me: Photographer: Vera Pash Photo 1: Model and Photographer – Ashley Garner | Photo 2: Photographer – Justin Schlesinger, Model – Vigilant Sutherlin | Photo 3: Photographer – Elizabeth Raab, Model – Annelise Durham, MUA – Chris Milone, Hair – Ariane Garcia | Photo 4: Photographer – Ryan Johnson, Models – Lindsay Demyan, Jenna Kirstin, Andi Longan, Hair – Rachael Angell, MUA – Ran Yang | Photo 5: Photographer: – Regina Marie, Model – Ashley Garner, MUA – Megan LaCore, Hair – Elle Duerr | Photos 6 & 7: Photographer – Vera Pash, Model – Kalypso Bunt | Photo 8: Photo – Gemma Fleming, Model – Alaia Baldwin, Hair – Hikaru Hiranu, MUA – Tara Lauren