katherine ward
THE ARTIST
Kat is an emerging painter known for her evocative exploration of light and dark, resilience, and personal growth. Born and raised in the South, Kat's journey as an artist is deeply intertwined with her experiences of grappling with identity, sexuality, and mental health struggles. These themes permeate her vibrant and emotionally charged works, which often contrast vivid colors with underlying pain.
As a self-taught artist, Kat has developed a unique style and technique over the years, primarily using acrylics and oils on canvas. She also incorporates unconventional materials such as dried acrylic and hot glue to add texture and depth to her pieces. Her mastery of color and gradient blending is a testament to her dedication and creative vision.
Nature plays a significant role in Kat's inspiration, with the interplay of light and shadows, the fluidity of water, and the beauty of landscapes and animals often reflected in her work. Influenced by renowned artists like Van Gogh, Monet, Edvard Munch, Picasso, Franz Marc, and Christine Schirrmacher, Kat's paintings invite viewers to delve into a deeper contemplation of their own emotions and perceptions.
Kat's art has been featured in group exhibitions, marking her entry into the contemporary art scene. Her work is held in private collections. Residing in Dallas, TX, Kat continues to push the boundaries of her artistic expression, aiming to evoke profound emotions and foster a dialogue about vulnerability, strength, and transformation. Through her paintings, she seeks to inspire others to embrace their true selves and find beauty in their own journeys of healing and self-discovery.
ARTIST STATEMENT
My work as a painter delves into the profound interplay of light and dark, embodying themes of resilience, growth through hardship, and healing from trauma. Through my art, I seek to explore and express the depths of inner feelings, the complexities of identity, and the spectrum of sexuality. These themes are not just subjects I depict; they are integral parts of my own journey and experiences.
Nature serves as a powerful muse in my creative process. The dance of light and shadows, the serene flow of water, and the ever-changing sky are constants that inspire me. I draw from the intricate details of plants and the raw beauty of landscapes and animals to infuse my work with life and emotion. Additionally, my years of inner turmoil over my identity and sexuality are deeply woven into the fabric of my art, providing a candid exploration of personal struggle and growth.
As a self-taught artist, my techniques and use of materials have evolved organically. Primarily working with acrylics and occasionally oils on canvas, I incorporate unconventional materials such as dried acrylic and hot glue to add texture and depth. My love for color and the challenge of blending gradients are evident in my work, where I strive to create pieces that are vibrant yet born out of pain. This dichotomy reflects my influences from artists like Van Gogh, Monet, Edvard Munch, Picasso, Franz Marc, and Christine Schirrmacher, whose styles resonate deeply with me.
Growing up in the South, I often felt the need to make myself smaller, which profoundly impacted my mental health and shaped my worldview. My art is a response to these experiences, a form of resistance and a path to healing. Through my paintings, I aim to evoke deep emotions and provoke contemplation in my viewers. I want them to see beyond the colors to the pain and resilience that birthed each piece, to recognize the beauty in vulnerability, and to find their own reflections within the canvas.
In my art, I seek to create a dialogue with the viewer, encouraging them to confront their own emotions and perceptions. By facing and rewiring shame, embracing the full spectrum of identity and sexuality, and finding strength in adversity, my work stands as a testament to the human spirit's capacity for transformation and healing.