Hello there! My name is Kitty Capelle, and I’m the artist behind Hope-Dreams Art. Here’s a little bit more about me and my spooky and sweet creations.

My art is a little bit Halloween and a little bit pure Michigander with a Tennessee twist

You will see the influence my surroundings have on my art. I live in Michigan’s Upper Peninsula, and there is no shortage of natural wonder. The design on this was inspired by a photo of the Northern Lights my husband took standing at Sugarloaf Mountain in Marquette, Michigan, overlooking Little Presque Isle. The green lights are reflected in the waters of Lake Superior.

There’s no better place to call home than the UP; except maybe my hometown of Knoxville, Tennessee. The never-ending outdoors of both homes make their way into a lot of my work. If you’ve spent time exploring the gorgeous fresh coast of Michigan or roaming the green hills of East Tennessee, you’ll probably recognize a lot of familiar plants, animals and landscapes in my work.

Why Halloween?

I believe there is power in taking the things that should frighten us and turn them into approachable and cute characters. Bravery often means changing your perspective on the scares.

Ever since I was a child, I've had a deep fondness for Halloween. Growing up in a home filled with turbulence, often darkness, I felt a deep sense of connection to a holiday that didn’t force a sense of happiness and joy. However you feel on Halloween is OK. You can feel a little broken or carefree, and you can bring yourself exactly as you are to the day.

It was a time of year to accept and explore the side of life that hurts, intimidates and welcomes the misfits into celebration.

And that’s also “why Halloween”: Everyone can see themselves in the holiday. Whether it’s a time to welcome in the changing of seasons, give thanks for the year’s harvest or just gather with friends for a silly night of costumes and candy, there is no “right” way to observe the day. You can make it whatever you want. You can be whoever you want. And maybe by doing something just a little bit strange and unexpected, my art can inspire others to let go of expectations and embrace the oddity of life.

So go out there and live your dreams! …or nightmares.

What’s behind the logo?

I was waiting for the right inspiration to hit to design a logo. Finally, I stumbled upon a medieval illumination of a triple hare - that's reminiscent of a Celtic knot, with a trinity pattern. I wanted a design that could flex with my wandering interests. Right now, it's all about that ghost, bat, and spooky life, but maybe not always. I wanted something in the natural world that may also work with my love of herbalism and plants too.

I've always felt a deep connection to rabbits, and even have one tattooed on my wrist! Over the years, the rabbit symbol has meant different things to me, but currently, it's a message of hope and healing; renewal and vibrancy of life. And of possibility and trust in a good future.

And the trinity motif; whether a triple moon, triple goddess, never-ending triangle. It means a lot of things to a lot of people, but I've always had a spiritual connection to it. So that was an important reminder to me of where to find my center when I'm feeling the ups and downs of the art-for-sale life.