Today we’d like to introduce you to Katherine Broadway.
Every artist has a unique story. Can you briefly walk us through yours?
I was adopted at birth in El Paso, Texas with my twin sister by my two British parents. With them I grew up in Austin, Texas till I was accepted into The School of the Art Institute of Chicago where I will be graduating by the end of July.
Please tell us about your art.
My art practice is interdisciplinary where I use a variety of mediums such as ceramics, painting, printmaking, drawing, and book making. Within my practice I focus on my identity as a Mexican-American who was raised by white, British parents in Texas. With this came unintentional white washing of my culture and for me, a loss of my cultural identity. This would create misunderstanding within my family as well as alienation within my communities. However, I use my artwork to start difficult conversations with my parents about race and culture and my childhood as well as discovering myself. My artwork often examines interracial ethnic relationships within a modern family as well as my own multiethnic identity and culture.
I am also taking the steps to become an art teacher after interning with Intuit: The Center for Intuitive and Outsider Art, and their amazing teen program. I am passionate about working with teens to encourage them to find their artistic voices in their communities.
Do you have any advice for other artists? Any lessons you wished you learned earlier?
I would give other artists, especially very young ones, three pieces of advice. One, explore unfamiliar mediums that make you uncomfortable. You will struggle at first as you learn, however, this leads to new discoveries within your practice. Two, make artwork about something that is meaningful to you. Say something with the talent you have. Three, question everything. Asking questions is the best way to learn about yourself and the rest of the world.
How or where can people see your work? How can people support your work?
You can see my work on my website katherinebroadway.com and on Instagram @Katherine. Broadway. Past exhibitions include Art Bash in 2014 at the School of the Art Institute of Chicago as well as my senior BFA show at the School of the Art Institute of Chicago this past March.
Contact Info:
- Website: katherinebroadway.com
- Instagram: @katherine.broadway
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