Kate Jarvik Birch is an artist who has nurtured her passion for writing from a young age. Even as a little girl, she found solace in crafting stories and wrote her first novel in fourth grade, featuring a character who bore a striking resemblance to herself. As she grew older, Kate’s talent and artistic expression for writing flourished, and her essays and short stories found their way into esteemed publications such as Isotope: A Journal of Literary Nature and Science Writing, Saint Ann’s Review, Scissors and Spackle, and the forthcoming issue of Indiana Review. In 2011, she ventured into the realm of theatre, co-writing her first play, “(a man enters),” with Elaine Jarvik, which was produced by Salt Lake Acting Co.
While writing has been Kate’s steadfast companion, she also pursued her passion for visual arts. She attended the University of Utah, where she studied painting and drawing, eventually earning a Bachelor of Fine Arts degree in 2005. Kate’s artistic style is characterized by mixed-media floral paintings that showcase intricate patterns and textures. Her love for textile design and the decorative influences of figures like William Morris and the Arts and Crafts Movement inspires her creations. Poems Publishing has recognized the merit of Kate’s work, and her paintings are currently being published and sold internationally. Notably, her artwork has been featured in notable feature films and television shows, including “Glee” and “21 Jump Street,” adding another layer of recognition to her artistic endeavours.
Kate resides in Salt Lake City, Utah, where she shares her life with her husband and three children. Her artistic journey embodies a harmonious blend of writing and visual expression, where both forms of creativity find a place to flourish. Whether through the written word or her captivating mixed-media paintings, Kate’s artistic pursuits illuminate the world around her and inspire others to appreciate the beauty of storytelling and artistic expression.
