Katharine Owens, a self-taught artist, wields her scissors with precision in meticulously designed three-dimensional paper collages that stand out of a two-dimensional surface. Owens is a sculptor in her own right creating structures, people, and places out of paper. Apprenticing under Guenther Riess, she has continued his legacy of three-dimensional paper construction in her own way.
Her collage artwork consists of creating various puzzle pieces, and then assembling them into an image that conveys depth and engages the viewer in discovery of intricate detail. Her artwork includes attention to not only the central image, but also the creative use of empty space and many overlays of paper and paint
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3-Dimensional, Mixed Media Constructions
PORTRAITS
ABSTRACTS
Creativity is a passion that can be expressed through a variety of mediums. While it may not be readily apparent, all of Katharine Owens work is created using paper with only the auxiliary use of watercolor paint. At first glance, it may appear as if her work is a painting or even a photograph. Viewers are often surprised when they realize the entire project is actually created by careful and precise use of individual pieces of paper.
Katharine’s collage style of art is unique because of the intricate detail and 3-D imagery in every piece. The more one studies her art, the more one sees the depth within the image. As viewers move beyond the initial impression of her artwork they discover much more, prompting their “ Oh look at that, I did not see that before” exclamation that every artist treasures. Katharine strives to create art that communicates the intricacy, complexity and beauty of familiar objects that are normally overlooked. She believes there is great beauty in our everyday lives if we look beyond the obvious and truly see what is” before our eyes.”
Her artistry consists of creating various puzzle pieces, and then assembling them into an image that conveys depth and engages the viewer in discovery of intricate detail. Her specialty is focusing attention on both a central image while also making creative use of empty space with many overlays of paper and paint.
When Dr. Katharine Owens began a career transition from psychologist to visual artist, she thought she was moving from one world to another, leaving the psychological world for a new domain. However it soon became clear to her that life experiences so often addressed in psychotherapy are the very same lessons that are brought about through creative expression in her art.
She says creating art involves a dynamic dance between creativity and fear or self-doubt. One of the most powerful challenges for an artist is to recognize that fear drives creativity into full bloom, and thus to welcome fear as your muse when it knocks at the door. An artist continually ponders questions such as: Is my work good enough? Is it worth doing? Is it real art? Will others like it? Will it be accepted? Will it be understood? Will others approve? These are the very same questions many ask as they attempt to navigate the challenges of daily life.
Dr. Owens has often likened the psychotherapy process to looking at the puzzle pieces of a person’s life, and helping to rearrange the pieces in a different way. The skill (or art) is in knowing how to discard some pieces, creatively find new ones, and move things along to allow for positive self-expression. Sometimes this evolution includes placing another piece on top of a less than perfect one to gain a better perspective on the “big picture” for ones life. Her collages portray this emphasis on depth and interest in celebrating the beauty and complexity of the human personality and life experience.
