Art and the Environment
I am Kathleen Giddens, an artist who lives in Lake City, Florida in northern Florida. I live with my husband of 42 years, Marcus L. Giddens Jr. and our dog Gilda. I was originally born in St. Petersburg Florida. I studied art at the University of Florida and met my husband there. After college we moved to North Carolina where Marc got a job which ultimately led to living in 6 different states: Florida, North Carolina, Virginia, Wisconsin, Texas and Georgia. We both enjoyed living in different parts of the United States and traveling around the country. We have visited many of the country’s national parks and have seen many of the natural wonders of our country.
Painting has been my main occupation for 52 years (I started when I was 14). I studied painting and then art education in order to teach art, which I did for about 10 years until my hearing and speech problems became too severe. Despite my problems with my teaching career I never stopped painting and drawing. Art is what I do best. Art is what I want to do. It has been my primary pursuit since I was 5. You have to believe in yourself to keep yourself on track in life.