Today's Profile:Kathy
Geurts
Why are you an artist
and what drew you to clay?
Ive
always loved being creative and realised that my skills in this area would take
me further in life than my academic abilities.
How long have you
been an artist?
For
most of my life from when I was a bub scribbling over my parents walls at home,
then onto art at school, next design school, owning my own design business
until I retired and found myself creating in mixed media.
What is your
favourite clay?
Polymer
Clay without a doubt. Its flexible, accessible and offers a world of creative
possibilities.
What other materials
do you like to incorporate in your work and why?
Love
found, recycled objects as they have a past life and mixing it with other
materials allows the artist to create a new story. My biggest love at the
moment is textiles. Im totally fascinated with the variety of fibres out there
now and the seemingly infinite treatments , an artist can apply for different
effects. The tactile sensation of textiles combined with the kinesthetic nature
of clay is a beautiful rhapsody in texture. The final touch is the inclusion of
precious metals which in my view add an element of earthiness and further
contrast.
What are you
currently working on?
Ive
just arrived back from a 2 month overseas trip full of contrasts from the
majestic buildings of Moscow to the lush rice fields, and crazy traffic ridden
cities of Vietnam. I also attended a wonderful mixed media retreat in France
with the talented American artisan, tutor, Dayle Doroshow. Here I broadened my
polymer and mixed media skills while also learning the art of altered books and
doll making. I have returned with so much creative inspiration, my head is
bursting with ideas. I have several art shows and exhibitions coming up for
later in the year where I intend to broaden my eco dyeing range of textiles,
textile mixed media jewellery and create more art dolls and art books.
What inspires your work?
Everything mother nature has to
offer, people and architecture
Is there a purpose to your artwork?
I would like to think firstly, I
bring joy to people viewing my work and secondly I create for personal
challenge , growth and meditation.
8)Which of your artwork pieces is your favourite?
Wow, what a question. I cannot
answer this instead I have enclosed different pieces I really like.
What advice do you have for aspiring artists?
If you are passionate in what you do
you will succeed in achieving your desired outcomes.
Why do you like to teach?
I love the sharing of minds and
hearts which is what happens when you teach. Students are often my best
teachers.
What would you like people to know about the
upcoming Contemporary Craft Retreat in Canberra?
The contemporary Craft Retreat in
Canberra is unique. It is the only retreat in Australia which brings together a
highly skilled team of teachers versed in so many contemporary clays. Students
have the opportunity to take master classes in a wide range of claying techniques
whilst enjoying the company of fellow creatives in a relaxed, scenic
environment.
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