Katherine Wilson
September-October 2023 AiR
Katherine Wilson is a Vancouver-based visual artist and jewelry maker who is driven by both the pursuit of beauty and an innate curiosity for the world around her. She completed a Bachelor of Fine Arts from Webster University, and went on to study silversmithing in Vancouver, BC. The art-making process allows her to express that which she cannot with words—the tensions, shadows, and light she feels within herself, the beauty of a particular curve, and the profound miracles that can be witnessed in nature. Although art-making is a meditative, non-emotional process for the artist, Katherine’s work is often illustrative of her emotional state at the time. Like a Rorschach inkblot, her work tends to inspire broad interpretations. She is currently focused on making abstract surrealist paintings and drawings, and expanding her knowledge of fine jewelry making techniques including lost wax casting and goldsmithing. Her work has been shown in Los Angeles, CA, Vancouver, BC, and St Louis, MO.
Image: Katherine Wilson by The Portrait Sessions
My time at the Similkameen Artist Residency was deeply supportive to both my artistic practice and my personal life. I loved so much about being there, but here are a few of my favourite things:
wandering on the property and encountering new plants and animals that I don’t see in the Vancouver region
being able to talk to fellow artists about our practice and check in on a daily basis about what we’re working on, what’s going well, and sharing resources/learning about artist opportunities that I otherwise wouldn’t have known about
visiting the fruit stands of Keremeos and trying out all the varieties of sparkling apple juice
going for drives through the countryside and visiting the neighbouring towns
the incredible scenery in the Similkameen Valley
practicing archery for the first time since high school on the property
the vast night sky that is visible from the cabin–it was wonderful to be able to view the milky way from right outside the front door
witnessing the change of seasons–from summer to autumn–in the valley
The pace of the rural setting allowed for deep reflection and a gentleness toward my art practice. I felt seen and genuinely cared for by Ali Bischoff, the primary artist in residence. My studio space was a generous 270 square feet, and I quickly became accustomed to having plenty of space to work while also chatting with the chipmunks outside my studio window. This was such a supportive experience, and I encourage anyone considering a residency to apply!
Katherine Wilson, Testimonial
image courtesy of artist, Katherine Wilson
image courtesy of artist, Katherine Wilson
image courtesy of artist, Katherine Wilson
image courtesy of artist, Katherine Wilson
image courtesy of artist, Katherine Wilson
image courtesy of artist, Katherine Wilson
image courtesy of artist, Katherine Wilson
image courtesy of artist, Katherine Wilson
image courtesy of artist, Katherine Wilson
image courtesy of artist, Katherine Wilson
image courtesy of artist, Katherine Wilson