Today we’d like to introduce you to Katherine Colin Wood.
Katherine, we appreciate you taking the time to share your story with us today. Where does your story begin?
Currently, I am an artist, educator, astrologer, and new mother of two. From a young age, I was called to art and teaching. Growing up, I gravitated towards making things and helping others learn what I could share. After earning my BFA from the University of North Texas, I taught dance, and art as well as tutored college-level algebra. My thorough understanding of algebra led me to seek ways to combine math and art within my artwork. I pursued merging concepts of analytical mathematical patterns within my paintings during graduate school at the University of Dallas. I had several breakthrough works and transformed my methods of working during my three years of graduate school. The next chapter is seven years of college-level teaching and during this time I became more and more interested in learning astrology. Now, I have come to realize that astrology is another example of math and art intertwined. I have been using this knowledge to inform the work I have been making for the past few years. I am offering astrology readings and I have the desire to host monthly astrology meetings for those who are interested. Earlier this year, I had my second baby, and I am thrilled to celebrate and enjoy being part of a family of four.
I’m sure you wouldn’t say it’s been obstacle-free, but so far would you say the journey has been a fairly smooth road?
Right after grad school was challenging because I was in a place, we can call adjunct hell. This is a familiar place for many artists with MFAs out there. You find yourself teaching part-time at three or more colleges or universities. You have so much grading to keep up with and it’s hard to keep your schedule straight. You do your best to survive and you have little certainty about what the next semester will bring. But you do it because you love teaching, you love art, and you love the connection of being able to share your passion with others. You also get to be connected to the art community because working with students is a powerful way to strengthen your work in addition to sharing your expertise.
Can you tell our readers more about what you do and what you think sets you apart from others?
My studio practice consists of 2D work that interprets expansive hypothetical spaces, inspired by mathematical theories, physical infrastructure, and nature. In a single work, I may reference painterly abstraction, geometric hard-edge abstraction, still life drawing, 3D rendering, Photoshop gradients, highways, or the human body. In my current work, built-up oil paint exists alongside areas of raw stained canvas or graphite drawing. This method allows the viewer to see the various stages of the drawing and painting while creating dynamic interplay of figure and ground.
What sets me apart is that I am an artist and astrologer. Please e-mail [email protected] if you are interested in getting your birth chart read. I am represented by Beaudry gallery and there is new work currently on display in the gallery.
What has been the most important lesson you’ve learned along your journey?
You are never done learning, and there are always alternatives to the mainstream way of doing things. Finding alternatives probably applies more to my role as a mother, but it is certainly worth remembering in a professional setting as well.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.paintingastrology.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/paintingastrology
- Other: http://www.katecolin.com
Image Credits
Courtney Morgan
Harrison Evans
Katherine Wood
