Today we’d like to introduce you to Katie Hammond.
Every artist has a unique story. Can you briefly walk us through yours?
I was born in Ann Arbor, Michigan. I grew up studying visual arts, music and dance. I attended University of Michigan School of Art and Design and received my BFA in 2004. During the ten years between undergraduate and graduate school, I worked for myself as a professional photographer, and then painter. I was accepted into the MFA program in Painting & Drawing at the School of the Art Institute of Chicago (SAIC) and received my degree in 2016. I have remained in Chicago since graduation and have been part of numerous solo and group exhibitions.
Please tell us about your art.
I make acrylic paintings on canvas and velvet and sculptures from lo-fi materials like cardboard, wire and paper pulp. I currently have two series in progress. One series uses other people’s Instagram photos as direct reference. Beginning as a playful exercise in rendering from a photograph, the series developed in to a study of social media interactions, image ownership and communication. The paintings were mostly complete by the time I contacted the person who posted the image, an experience that proved to be nerve-wracking but exciting. The stories behind the images, my communication with their owners, and examining my relationship with social media became as interesting as the images themselves. The images are saved in a large archive that has taken years to compile. Since I have only just begun this exploration, there are many photos left unpainted in the archive, and I am excited to continue this series to work with new reference photos and people. The paintings, acrylic and collage on canvas, are 4 x 4-foot squares to mimic Instagram’s square format.
The other series in progress is paintings on velvet, an exploration I began a few years ago. Finding solidarity in deviants, drifters, and the overly sensitive, I share my story of struggle through ultra-textured portraits. My paintings on velvet combine simplified imagery and suggestive titling to create iconographical dialogue between my existentially weary characters and their audience, ultimately seeking reverence for the irreverent. This work pays homage to the European and Asian tradition of painting on velvet. Fascinated by the irony of it all – velvet’s historical role in both high and low cultural operations – I apply the technique to my straightforward and seductive imagery, amplifying the dimensional components and creating a smoothness to minimally rendered characters in a sensual nod to 1970’s kitsch.
Choosing a creative or artistic path comes with many financial challenges. Any advice for those struggling to focus on their artwork due to financial concerns?
Keep your expenses at a minimum and try to live frugally. Be constantly producing and marketing your work. Become comfortable and confident talking about yourself and your art. Stay as active as possible in the art scene and with your colleagues. View all times (night, weekends, vacations) as opportunities to discuss and promote your work. Treat others with kindness and respect.
How or where can people see your work? How can people support your work?
People can always see my newest work on my website www.katiehammondartist.com or follow me on Instagram or Facebook. I also have a couple upcoming events to share. I am part of a group show in NYC opening soon at HERE Arts Center. I have a painting in the Riverside Arts Center Gala/Auction celebrating their 25th anniversary on August 25.
If you have two legs, borrow another pair and run
Curated by Santina Amato and Sarah Skaggs
July 19–September 2
Opening Reception: July 19, 5-7PM
145 6th Ave
New York, NY
Riverside Arts Center Gala/Auction
August 25, 2018
Riverside Arts Center
32 E Quincy St.
Riverside, IL
Contact Info:
- Website: www.katiehammondartist.com
- Instagram: www.instagram.com/katie.a.hammond
- Facebook: www.facebook.com/katiealicehammond
Image Credit:
Images by the artist
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