PSU Studio Critique: Writing 1

Artist Statement: 

Exploration, as defined by the Oxford Dictionary, is “the action of traveling in or through an unfamiliar area in order to learn about it.” This literal sense of traveling into unfamiliar areas produced a sense of wonder and desire to explore the many unfamiliar areas that life has to offer. My love for nature brings me to exploring the vast depths of what could be. These organic objects and aesthetics are expressed through the lines presented within every media I have created with. It is important for a human to connect with oneself and with nature, peace in the soul and fire in the belly are found when doing so.

Existing is an exploration. This journey presented through an art form leads to investigating infinite questions. Creating is my chosen method of learning.

                                                                                                                                                                                                                        

I am Catherine (Cat) Jepson, a senior at Pittsburg State University majoring in 3D fine art and minoring in graphic design. Growing up, I traveled around the U.S. selling my father's functional pottery at art shows. Through helping in the production, sales, and marketing, I gained knowledge and great respect for not only my father but other artists devoting their lives to an art career. All in all, art has been and will always be a huge part of my life; I always come back to it and it is always there for me. 

Initially my purpose for being a 3D major was not to necessarily focus on one medium but to broaden my skill-set. In the past year, I have found my niche and artistic voice. I would consider myself more of a multi/mixed-media artist and printmaker. Through independent studies courses and an internship, I was able to learn a lot about letterpress printing and in turn fall in love with it. I restored the art department letterpress last spring, had an internship at Skylab Letterpress in KC over the summer, and returned last fall to print on the press I restored. My other love was discovered this past fall through an independent study course over textiles (fabric printing and design). After finding these two printing processes, I realized that everything I have ever created or have been interested in has a design, texture, or aesthetic that would work well with either process. It gave a totally new meaning to my work, one that I have been searching for. As for my graphic design minor, the intent was and still is to understand how to be the designer as well as know how to appropriately and effectively work with a designer. I find this extremely relevant with the two printing paths.

My inspiration in generally from nature; however, there are a few artists that I look up to. They span from ones I have stumbled upon on the internet, artists that are discussed in classes, artists I have met or listened to through the lectures at PSU, artists I have grown up knowing from art shows, and of course my dad. I have several of their websites listed below. Liz, Paul, and David are artists that watched me grow up and are family to me. Along with my dad, they are all the most genuine people and through trade very hard workers. Their dedication to their profession is profound and nothing short of inspiring. Tara Donovan and Andy Goldsworthy are artists that were introduced to me through school. Both are very unique within their realms. Tara uses everyday mundane items and creates large scenes with said items that are breathtaking. Her use of material and how she transforms them into such an organic volume is incredible. Andy Goldsworthy’s use of nature as his canvas and medium of choice is truly amazing. He captures the essence of nature willingly, knowing that it may only last until the breeze blows it away. The Colossal website introduces the viewer to many artists and designers. The site is very stimulating and is a great resource. Bob Atkins is the owner of Skylab Letterpress where I was an intern at last summer. His perfection and pure love for his work is very rare and you feed off of that energy. Having skill is only a percentage of being an artist, having passion for what one does sets them apart. Lastly, Jeremy Collins is a KC artist and rock climber who has been able to merge the two and inspire the world. As I am an artist and rock climber, his story is touching and extremely motivating. He focuses primarily on maps of mountains, but has recently started a clothing line through Huckberry called "Meridian Line." Another recent adventure is his book and film called "Drawn" that he illustrated and told the story of his recent trips to the corners of the earth.

Liz and Paul Shedron http://www.ozarkherbals.com/index.html

David Switzer http://www.harvestleather.com/

Tara Donovan http://www.acegallery.net/artistmenu.php?Artist=8

Andy Goldsworthy http://www.goldsworthy.cc.gla.ac.uk/

Colossal http://www.thisiscolossal.com/
Bob Atkins http://skylabletterpress.com/Home.html  
Jeremy Collins http://jercollins.com/ 

With graduation this December, it is evident that decisions are needing to be made about my future. Currently, I am planning to attend three relevant trade shows in NYC in May and am seeking an internship for the summer. After graduation, I plan to move west and work within letterpress printing or textiles. Then, on into the long term, I have a dream of having a space to work, where the goal is to bring out the creativity in people of all ages, as a healing method. Not only would this promote creative thinking but showing how inexpensive it can be, especially when reusing items. As for this semester, it will be critical to refine my portfolio and push my textile and letterpress work while preparing for my senior exhibition and job applications.

The following images are of my textile and letterpress work from last summer and semester. This will visually catch the reader up to where I am at and will proceed from this semester.