"Wild and Free" Katie Carruthers Solo Exhibit

My work is the result of capturing the energy and wanderings of my mind in one place. I study and am strongly influenced by the natural world and the preservation of the environment. Inspired by the rawness and undeniable realness of nature, color relationships, the physical connection between artist and canvas, and the tactile properties of a material, I design work through painting and installation, that creates a story combining philosophies, perceived illusion, color, and juxtaposition of elements. As my work has evolved, what began as a design principle and a simple love of nature, has developed into a body of work that revolves around authenticity and creating consciousness in life as a means to live the most truthful, real and connected life as possible. I am concerned with how we understand our environments, situations, and experiences, and then, the decisions we make based on those observations. 

At times, both abstract and realistic components are featured. As I work, I often consider the illusions and realities we experience as we navigate our daily happenings.  The contrast of reality vs. illusion speaks to the pieces of our lives we understand as true and the reality we live by. Our challenge is to know where the ruse is in life, how to identify it and not let him in for tea. They are parallel ideas that become a dual quest to the truth as they transcend art into life and back again. 

In my most current series, ‘Child’s Play’, I am pushing the conversation of authenticity to include the perceptions and instincts of a child.  Children are naturally unrestricted in their art-making and approach the activity without preconceived notions, simply allowing intuition to take over – possibly the most authentic art ‘mark’ possible. Adults simply bring too much to the table. Working in this manner, sometimes right alongside a young child, I am forced to lose control of my marks and to place trust in the simplicity of the process.  

I am also interested in the connective energy people feel when experiencing art. It is in the art experience, where the questions arise, viewers have a profound moment where the art becomes apart of them, and they become apart of the art.  Neither can exist without the other and upon meeting again, euphoria descends much like connecting with an old friend. As an artist, it is my job to observe, wonder and record. To then present my findings in a way that allows viewers to have a deep enough experience in order to ask the same questions, to feel something outside themselves, and to think beyond the depths and workings of their own mind.