The works in this exhibition speak to bodily responses to the space and atmosphere around us. As I continue to explore my practice, my work varies from piece to piece. I tend to begin by first selecting a medium(s) and working intuitively from there, figuring out my reasoning or intentions as I proceed naturally. My process is often characterized by establishing guidelines, or “rules,” for myself to follow. I find comfort in working within these restrictions yet feel freedom in the possibilities that are able to arise despite such restraints. I draw inspiration from my observations of the environment in which I exist. I often take photographs and write amateur poetry as my initial reactions to these observations, which then navigate their way into my art practice. These images are of objects and scenes that I am drawn to, which many times contain linear arrangements, shadows, and displaced objects—all speaking to relationships and interactions between the natural and built environments. I am currently questioning what gives objects and people value, asking where/when/how that value fades, and what potential can arise from this depreciation. These ideas are also often reflected in my material choice, in which I tend to seek out found objects, leftover scraps, or reusable materials.
Kaitlin Huo (she/her/hers) is a mixed-media artist from Jacksonville, Florida, studying in the 3D4M program of the School of Art + Art History + Design at UW. Her first noted exposure to sculpture was through her high school 3D art courses, in which she worked primarily with clay and paper. After arriving at UW, Kaitlin pursued studies in biology, later changing her major following her sophomore year. Her science-based coursework influenced her early work in the 3D4M program, creating works pertaining to bodily levels of organization. More recently, Kaitlin has explored more intuitive curiosities of hers discovered through her daily observations of the natural and built environments. She often finds herself photographing such observations, marveling at the systems, orders, and chaos within them. Now investigating mediums of all sorts—wood, steel, ceramics, found objects/images, printmaking, textiles–Kaitlin further questions and provokes her art practice. She will be graduating Spring 2020 with a B.A. in Art and minors in Art History and Environmental Science & Resource Management.