Kim Holowatiuk
Tell us a little bit about yourself?
(Family life, career, other hobbies etc)
I was born and raised in Calgary and now live just outside the city on a charming acreage with my husband and our beloved animals. Our little sanctuary is home to a fainting goat, two donkeys, two barn cats, and my Aussie Shepherd, Blue, who recently celebrated his 14th birthday!
My professional journey has been diverse and fulfilling. I spent 16 years at TELUS before transitioning into orthopaedic massage therapy, and later, I became a medical transcriptionist for the University of Calgary, a role I held for 15 years. From 2009 to 2023, I owned and operated Sleepy Holow, where I designed and handcrafted high-end leather dog collars. It was a joy to create custom pieces for dogs around the world.
Life has brought its share of challenges. I am a kidney patient living with Polycystic Kidney Disease, a rare genetic condition that has also affected my liver. In 2010, I underwent brain surgery for an aneurysm linked to this disease. This year, I’ve embarked on the journey of seeking a living kidney donor, undergoing tests to determine my eligibility.
When my health made it difficult to continue leatherwork, I turned to painting as a creative outlet. That’s when I discovered my passion for mandala art. Painting mandalas has become a daily meditative ritual—a way to manage stress and channel the complexities of life into something beautiful and meaningful.
How long does it usually take you to complete one of your pieces?
The time it takes to create one of my pieces really depends on the size and complexity of the design. I dedicate a lot of time to planning, especially when it comes to selecting and mixing the perfect color palette to bring my vision to life. For instance, a 12-inch piece typically takes me anywhere from 10 to 12 hours, factoring in everything from the initial prep work to the finishing touches, such as adding embellishments like rhinestones or mini mirrors and applying protective finishing coats.
The largest piece I’ve ever completed was a 31-inch mandala, which took me about two weeks of daily work—6 to 8 hours each day! Mandala painting requires an incredible amount of patience and precision. One of the key lessons I’ve learned is that when you think you’re going slow enough, slow down even more. That’s when the real magic happens.
How do you choose your next colour palette? What tools do you use to help choose colour palettes?
I have several ways of choosing my color palettes, and each approach brings its own kind of inspiration. If I’m working with a focal piece for the center, I carefully select its dominant and complementary colors, often spending time mixing paints to achieve just the right shades. Nature is another major source of inspiration—whether it’s the vibrant hues of a flower or the soft gradients of a landscape, I find endless ideas by observing the world around me or even browsing photos.
I also use tools like Pinterest to explore ready-made palettes and have a set of color palette blocks with hundreds of combinations. That said, I don’t rely on them often, as I tend to go with colors that resonate with me in the moment. To expand my horizons, I watch other artists for inspiration, picking up tips or even purchasing their palette combinations. As a self-taught artist, these resources have been invaluable for pushing me to try new things, step out of my comfort zone, and grow in my craft.
After all, as much as I love purple and teal, there’s only so many mandalas in those colors one can make before it’s time to explore new territory!
What are you hoping to learn or improve on this year?
This year, I’m focusing on cultivating even greater patience and truly immersing myself in the creative process. While I like to think I’m patient, I’ve realized there’s always room to slow down further. Mandala dotting and brushwork require such deliberate precision, yet I sometimes catch myself thinking ahead to the next step rather than fully appreciating the one I’m working on. My goal is to savor each moment of creation, embracing the meditative rhythm of the process rather than just striving for the finished piece.
I also want to challenge myself to step out of my comfort zone by promoting my work more actively—but in an authentic and organic way. Sharing my art with others is something I’m passionate about, and this year, I’m looking forward to finding meaningful ways to connect with a broader audience.
What has been your biggest success as an artist thus far?
My biggest success as an artist so far has been stepping out of my comfort zone and beginning to shed the “imposter syndrome” that tells me I’m not good enough. Taking the leap to apply to shows—especially ones I initially felt unworthy of—has been a transformative experience. Instead of viewing rejection as failure, I’ve learned to use feedback as a tool to grow and improve as an artist. To my surprise and delight, I’ve been accepted into shows I never thought I had a chance at, which has been incredibly validating.
Another unforgettable milestone was selling my first piece at a public event to someone I didn’t know. It was exhilarating to realize that someone loved my work enough to purchase it and display it in their home. That moment reminded me of the impact art can have and gave me the confidence to continue pursuing my creative journey.
What first inspired you to try art? How long have you been painting for, and what mediums have you experimented with?
I’ve been painting for two years now, and I’m proud to call myself a self-taught artist. My journey into art began when health challenges forced me to close my leather shop, and I needed a new way to channel my creativity. Several years before that, a friend introduced me to dot painting. At the time, it intrigued me, but it wasn’t until I closed my shop that I decided to give it a real try. That’s when I caught the “mandala bug.”
From the start, I was captivated by the intricate designs and the meditative process of creating mandalas. I had a deep desire to learn, improve, and eventually design and complete an entire mandala on my own. Thanks to the incredible support of the mandala art community and a few truly inspiring teachers, I’ve grown so much as an artist.
What excites me most now is pushing the boundaries of traditional mandala art. I enjoy experimenting with non-traditional elements and finding new ways to reinterpret the classic mandala form. It’s been an amazing journey so far, and I can’t wait to see how my art evolves.
What markets and resources have you used in Calgary to sell your work? And what would you say made it successful?
I haven’t participated in many in-person markets due to physical limitations, as they can be quite taxing for me. However, I did have the pleasure of showcasing my work at a Calgary Art Community show, and it was an incredible experience. The atmosphere was vibrant and inspiring, the event was exceptionally well-organized, and the artists I met were warm and welcoming. What stood out most to me was the focus on original art—the audience was genuinely there to appreciate and invest in unique, handcrafted pieces, which made it the perfect fit for my work.
From my previous experience doing shows for my leather dog collars, I’ve learned that understanding and reaching the right target audience is absolutely key to success. I’ve also made my art accessible online through a few local online shops and my own website, KimDotCalm.com. Having a presence online has been a wonderful way to connect with people who resonate with my art while working within my physical limits.
What’s one piece of advice you’d offer to fellow artists who are just starting out?
As a newer artist, this isn’t a question I expected to be asked—but based on my experience so far, the best advice I can offer is to stay open to feedback and embrace the journey of learning. Practice as much as you can, take classes to expand your skills, and don’t hesitate to reach out to artists you admire. Ask them about their journey or seek their feedback—most artists are incredibly generous and supportive, especially within the mandala community, which I’ve found to be wonderfully receptive and encouraging.
Remember, we all start somewhere. When I look back at my very first dot mandalas, I’m not horrified by their imperfections—I’m thrilled by how far I’ve come. And I know the pieces I’m proud of today might not feel the same to me in a few years, but that’s part of the joy of growing as an artist.
A master leatherworker once told me, “When you feel you have nothing more to learn, it’s time to quit.” That wisdom has stayed with me, and it’s a reminder that no matter where you are in your creative journey, there’s always room to grow and discover more.
What practices or habits have you found most beneficial in honing your craft?
Two key practices have been incredibly beneficial in honing my craft. The first is simple but essential: practice, practice, practice—and never shy away from trying something that initially feels beyond reach. Mandalas can seem overwhelming when you view them as a whole, but breaking them down into smaller, manageable elements transforms the process into something achievable and rewarding.
The second practice I honor is listening to my intuition. If I’m not "feeling it" or unsure about the next step in a painting, I give myself permission to step away, take a break, and return with fresh energy. Forcing creativity rarely works for me. I’ve discovered that when I allow the process to unfold naturally, everything flows more harmoniously, and the result feels authentic.
Who or what has been the biggest influence on your artistic growth, and why?
Three incredible people have profoundly influenced my artistic growth.
First, Demi from Thoughtful Dots introduced me to brush strokes—something I initially found incredibly challenging. I even had an unkind nickname for them when I started because they were so frustrating! Every time I walked away from a piece and came back, it felt like starting from scratch. Over time, though, I’ve become much more comfortable with them (even if I still catch myself holding my breath while painting, LOL).
Next is Lauren from Love and Dots, a fellow Canadian who has been an amazing teacher. She’s taught me complex designs, color theory, pattern planning, and even shared invaluable business tips. While my focus is primarily on the meditative practice of painting, rather than selling, Lauren’s insights have been a great reminder of the balance between creating for oneself and sharing that art with others. Don’t get me wrong—I love selling my pieces, but for me, the joy is in the process.
Lastly, Ranoo, also known as the Mandala Doc, introduced me to paint mixing. At first, it seemed completely overwhelming, but her guidance gave me the fundamentals I needed to dive in and explore. I’m still learning, but her teachings have been a game-changer for my work.
Each of these women has helped me grow as an artist in unique ways, and I’m so grateful for their generosity and inspiration.
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