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Katie Kirk-Painter & Scenic Artist | SmugMug
I have been studying painting for over ten years now, and it continues to challenge me on a daily basis. I am interested in the art of storytelling and investigation of personal, communal, and societal conflict.
My most recent work focuses on the desensitization of war symbols. I juxtapose iconic images of war like soldiers, guns, and explosions, with images and colors eluding to light-heartedness, youth, and hope. These works explore my own observations regarding the disassociation from the realities of war and the current political upheavals between the United States and other countries. Having worked in film for four years and received my B.A. in Film and Television Production at Loyola Marymount University, I often begin my paintings by thinking in terms of narrative storytelling and themes; I usually focus on the dichotomy between how war is represented in society and how it is experienced by your average American—creating almost “pop” war paintings. With my most recent works, I am attempting to incorporate abstraction as well as realism, through the layering and breakdown of images; my paintings often begin as collages in Photoshop so that I can concretely create transparency, layering, and the breakdown of elements within the images. The overlapping of elements emphasizes the breakdown of symbols, fusion with a superficial, pop feeling, and detachment from real horrors of war. To create more spontaneous paint markings, a sense of motion, and active narration in my paintings, I have begun experimenting with various materials and techniques including creating texture with paper towels and sponges, dripping paint, and my favorite—manipulating paint with a hair dryer.
I began my training with Bay Area artist Lee Hartman, working mostly with oils. Through my painting studies with Father Michael Tang, I have begun experimenting with acrylics, mediums, modeling paste, and other materials. I am constantly exploring new ways to carry out my vision and delving into other artistic opportunities to foster the evolution of my technique and content. Additionally, I work as a scenic artist in the film industry creating custom paintings, poster art, drawings, backdrops, prop painting and styling, and faux finishing.
Katienicolekirk.com ~
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