I am Catherine (Cat) Jepson,
a junior at Pittsburg State University majoring in 3D art and minoring in
graphic design. Growing up, I traveled around the United States 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 have tried several other
career paths; even got my real estate license directly out of high school but
creating art is what I always go back to.
The reason I chose 3D
as my emphasis is to develop my 2D work. I am trying to broaden my skill-set as
much as possible. I consider myself as an artist but not a painter, potter,
sculptor, etc. This very well could be because I have not found my specific
niche. I am learning which techniques and mediums that I dislike all while
latching onto ones that interest me. I greatly enjoy working with
ink pens to create organic and abstract designs, fabrics and sewing, printmaking,
paper making, textures, alternative materials, and mixed media.
As a young, aspiring artist, now is the time where I dig
deep into the heart of where my art comes from, the reason I make art, my
purpose, my voice. Aside from the materials I prefer and my love for nature, I
discovered a huge piece of my inspiration last fall. During my printmaking and paper
arts independent studies course, I included my immediate family in the making
of one of my projects. Little did I know the emotional impact their pieces of the
project would have on me. At that exact moment in my life, I could, without any
doubt, define myself as an artist. My family led me to that moment; they are
what nurtured me to being who I am today. The inspiration is fresh on my mind;
I am excited to see what journey it takes me on as I create this semester.
The project that my family was involved in is called “Life
Cycle of the Book.” It was entirely an experiment based upon the metaphor of
the title. I gave each person a packet of paper, asking them to do whatever
they please with them (write, draw, doodle, cut, etc.) and send them back to
me. I further explained that they were “narrating” the story of my book. The
book is a sculptural rendition of an actual book, so the pieces that they would
send create the sculptural, intertwined story inside. I am extremely interested
in furthering my idea with other groups of people and adding a video component
to it. This is a project that I would like to focus on in the near future.
With my inspiration in tow, I am confident that I am
following the correct path with my major. The same goes for my minor in graphic
design. I have done a lot of
ink drawings that I have envisioned printed on paper and fabric, even
snowboards. I like doing things the “old school” way; however, the minor will
assist with learning the computer skills needed in today's graphic design
world.
Aside from my graphic design oriented future, I have another
dream. This dream includes
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. I am sure
that through all of that, there would be a huge growth in my art as well. But
that is something for the far future.
I have spoken a lot about my
inspiration specifically being nature and my family. As for 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, and artists I have grown up knowing from art shows. 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. The Colossal website
introduces the viewer to many artists and designers. The site is very stimulating
and is a great resource. Lastly, 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.
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/
