Kate Morgan describes her work as “portraiture”, which is a blend of painting, photography and mixed media. This CCAD graduate maintains a studio space at the Columbus Idea Foundry, a 10,000 square foot creative space for local artists and inventors.
We recently spoke with Kate for a Q&A session to find out more about her work and her involvement in the growing community surrounding the Idea Foundry.
Q: First, can you tell us a bit about your personal artistic background?
A: I can’t remember when I didn’t draw or have my hands in some sort of artistic endeavor. I grew up drawing then got into fashion photography in high school. I have always drawn out ideas for photo shoots I wanted to do and doodled during classes. I slowly fell in love with portraits and explored what different mediums could emphasize and convey. I stuck with photography and received my BFA from CCAD after a 10 year “break/breakdown” after high school. After graduating I felt I wasn’t getting my hands dirty enough, I wasn’t exploring as much. I took some advice that was given to me: “just try and see what happens, no one ever has to know you made it if it doesn’t turn out.”
Q: So how did your involvement with the Columbus Idea Foundry come about?
A: I ran out of space in my basement! I had seen some postings on Craigslist six to eight months prior and sent them an email asking if they would let me build an art bin cart for my art shows there and inquired about space. Alex was awesome in letting me know they were going to expand and kept me up to date so I could jump on the space when they got it.
Q: How would you describe your artistic aesthetic?
A: My art has firm roots in everything that has ever spoken to me. Line work conveys form, colors and patterns accentuate and convey depth. I’m not overly complex about my work. Figures, primarily female find their way onto my paper. They are spiritual forms, portraits and beings. I have had people reminded of many things while looking at my work… Egyptian art, Mayan art, Roman Johnson, Egon Schielle, dancers, Spanish art… the list is endless. They are all right. I combine everything I love into one form on one sheet of paper.
The layering of paint and old maps/wallpaper is a form of history, of experience, they become more than a 2D form. The artwork’s depth becomes like a person’s depth. It lies behind them and within them, you cannot touch it even though you may see it. Some are more transparent than others – paint blocks out more in some than others. It all mirrors people.
My work is also a release. I allow myself to embrace that part of myself and my work that women can be so renowned and hated for: passion, and the absolute free will to use it.
Q: Have you found the Columbus art community to be collaborative or fragmented?
A: I am still meeting people, but every one I have spoken with has been awesome. Everyone is so willing to engage and be engaged.
Q: Tell us a bit about what we can expect at this weekend’s show?
A: I am trying to have new work of at least half of what I put up. Always figural, but taking steps in new directions, some are just line drawings – the purest form. Others are layered with paints and papers.
Q: Are there any other upcoming opportunities to see your work?
A: I should be putting new work up in TASI soon (best breakfast EVER, located on Pearl Alley behind Rigsby’s). I am always looking for outlets to show. I am going to start a commissioned piece as soon as the show is done and see how dirty I can can get my hands in general.
More info about Kate Morgan can be found at www.KateMorganImageDesign.com.
Join us on Saturday, October 8th for the first “Underground at the Foundry” Art Show! CLICK HERE for more information.