Kathryn developed an obsession with light and space early, while growing up in a Southern Oregon river valley near the ocean. As a Studio Art major in college, she continued to make things, focusing on drawing, painting, and black and white photography. She studied figure drawing and printmaking with Nathan Oliveira, sharing his fascination with the human form. It was Nathan who first introduced her to monotypes.

During an investigation into pastels, Lesh started taking monotype workshops. These group sessions were invaluable, and gave her a supportive environment and the space in which to create. Today, she has a studio as well as a press of her own, living once again near the water, this time on an island in Puget Sound.