Today we’d like to introduce you to Katy Horan.
Every artist has a unique story. Can you briefly walk us through yours?
Mine begins like most: I was drawing as early as I can remember. I really liked making little books out of stapled sheets of paper.
In High School, I was really into theater and, at the time, wanted to be a costume designer, so I started out at USC in the Theater Design program, only to discover that I was only interested in drawing the costumes rather than constructing them. After three semesters, I transferred to RISD to study Illustration, but my interest in costume is apparent in my work still.
Upon getting my BFA in 2003, I set out to illustrate Childrens’ Books but struggled to get work due to my style being generally too dark and strange for mainstream publishers.
I decided to continue on with the work I was making and through several lucky encounters, I began showing my paintings and drawings in small galleries all over the US, but mostly in San Francisco and L.A. This continued for about ten years. I then took a break from gallery shows to have my daughter and illustrate the book, Literary Witches: A Celebration of Magical Women Writers, a collaboration between myself and the writer Taisia Kitaiskaia. I am now beginning preparations for a solo show at Grayduck Gallery here in Austin next year.
Please tell us about your art.
My work ranges from paintings to drawings to paper mache sculpture. For many years, I focused on female archetypes: spinsters, widows, witches (lots and lots of witches). I also spent many years researching folklore, which informed my work quite a bit. I strive to create ambiguous narratives that leave room for the viewer to bring their own interpretations. I am very happy when the viewer can bring their own experience with the archetypes and folklore I work with to the piece and create their own stories from the work.
Now, however, after many years of using my work to investigate female archetypes, I am shifting my focus to female experience. With my new body of work, I plan to examine the specific ways that women endure fear, loss, violence, madness and motherhood. I hope to connect not only to the collective pain of all women but to my own difficult history as well.
We often hear from artists that being an artist can be lonely. Any advice for those looking to connect with other artists?
We are lucky here in Austin to have many community initiatives through The Contemporary Austin, one of which being something called Crit Group. You have to be accepted, and I was lucky enough to be part of the inaugural group. We met once a month for about six months to discuss our current works in progress. It was so helpful to have that dialogue.
I think it is important for artists to discuss their work with each other, so if there aren’t opportunities wherever you are like Austin’s Crit Group, I suggest creating your own studio visit group.
And if you don’t know any artists that are local to you, Instagram can be a really supportive and lovely community for sharing and feedback.
How or where can people see your work? How can people support your work?
I post a lot to Instagram. My handle is @goodyhoran, and I am prepping for a big solo show at Grayduck Gallery in Austin next fall.
Following me on Instagram and giving me feedback, there is really helpful. I really like interacting with the community there.
Contact Info:
- Address: 4903 Shoal Creek Blvd
Austin, Tx 78756 - Website: www.katyart.com
- Phone: 917-519-2968
- Email: kkhoran@gmail.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/goodyhoran/
- Twitter: https://twitter.com/katyhoranart
- Other: https://katyhoran.bigcartel.com/
Image Credit:
Katy Horan
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