finding little secrets hidden in plain view.

Dead birds, skulls, shells, pinecones, and various natural objects were and are always my favorite things to collect and draw. Natural oddities and wonders continue to accrue in my curio cabinets and a few favorites appear often in my work. Nerd alert: I’m continually honing my scholarship in botany and biology with more research, direct observation, and manual recording. When working in clay I find immense satisfaction in discovering variations on the chemical formulas I use for my layered ceramic glazes.

the formal credentials stuff

Kest received her Master’s in Fine Art from Maryland Institute College of Art (MICA) and an undergraduate degree from York College of Pennsylvania with an emphasis on Botany. Later she was professor of Illustration and Drawing courses there for nearly 9 years. Kest has illustrated over 30 books in the children's science market and has made illustrations for all kinds of products-- greeting cards, posters, wallpaper designs, book covers, magazines, and more— like a 100 page graphic novel. For 20 years, she has created the botanical artwork for The Old Farmer’s Almanac Garden Calendar (Yankee Publishing). Kest has also worked with the US Dept. of State, illustrating the 2004 Earth Day Poster, and with the National Parks creating their brochure for The Russell Cave National Monument. Kest has continually shown her work in numerous gallery exhibitions since 1996. Kest was also represented for a few decades by the children’s book publishing representatives, Harriet Kasak of HK Portfolio, and Harriet’s successor, Mela Bolinao of MB Artists.

In addition to my art career, I’ve spent the last decade indulging a serious interest in music. I play keyboards and bass in a band, The Weathercocks, with my longtime buddy and fellow artist-musician, Mark Zug (lead guitar to melt your face), and drummer friend, Eric Winter. Yes, we write original music. (The “IlluXCon Artists Music Jam” was a fun show in 2024, so plan to attend again in 2025.)

The focus of my work has always been located squarely in the natural world. I've been an illustrator doing botanical work for over 30 years and in that time my work has moved fluidly between science markets and product design, dropping into serious fine art painting with figurative and feminist themes. I believe that what holds all of these together is human storytelling with an understanding that the magic of the story doesn't negate the real world. That hard truths are sometimes easier to swallow when they are couched in kinder coatings of sugar and spice. Storytelling can act as a balm to soothe psychic wounds in oppressive systems when there is no recourse for justice. Seeking the realm of the magical and fantastic doesn’t have to be escapism. It can be healing. Revelatory. Looking for magic doesn’t disrespect reality.

I have often wondered about the unique phenomenon that is Art, and humanity's drive to create it, to see it, to possess it. It seems to me that Art~ like Magic~ is just a common wild spore, a seed which allows humans to connect to the living force of the natural world and to each other. Our desire to co-create with each other, to feel awe, safety, wonderment, and beauty about our very individual, yet shared experiences are those feelings which drive the deepest part of our human existence. It is the artist's job, then, to leverage open that door as wide as we can to whatever realm of magic we can see and to invite everyone in.

A full Kest CV is available upon request!