Discovering Katie Dean's bold, bright linocut art prints, we were immediately struck by her use of color and and natural forms.
Her balanced approach combines botanical imagery with figurative work, drawing us further into her world of layered and intricate prints. The more we looked the more we loved. We think you'll love it too.
Meet Katie during the April and May West Seattle Art Walks on Thursday 4.14 and Thursday 5.12 from 5-8p.
A selection of works are available online with the full collection in-store through Sunday, June 5th.
How would you describe what you make?
I’m a printmaker who carves linoleum blocks and prints them with an antique letterpress and oil based inks on cotton paper. My themes are nature based and recently I’ve started using figurative work in some of my pieces to add a new dimension to these natural scenes. I think you could also describe my work as “illustrative.” I enjoy reflecting on my own human experience, as well as that of others, and using this as inspiration for my images. Many of my images have been used for greeting cards and fabric tapestries as well.
What drew you to this medium and style of work?
I’m not entirely sure what it was. During college, I was lucky enough to study fine art printmaking and this is when I first learned about relief printing. The graphic design department was my main area of study and they also had classes in print production, the commercial side of printmaking. This class is where I was first introduced to letterpress printing. Also, I’ve always loved meticulous tasks and carving is very much in line with that.
Can you tell us about your favorite piece in the current collection?
My current favorite is “Come Dance in the Forest.” It’s my newest and I’ve been drawing more wooded mushroom scenes to add several others to make it a collection. I’ve enjoyed mixing the various greens and rich lowland colors for this series!
If you could collaborate with anyone (living or not), who would it be and why?
I just finished watching “The Andy Warhol Diaries” on Netflix and think it would be pretty amazing to work with him. He has a graphic style and a fascinating take on the world. In one of the last episodes he references “The Neverending Story,” one of my childhood favorites and the quote he pulled from it was pretty mind blowing and poignant to today’s struggles.
What’s the best piece of advice you’ve been given?
I have a friend who has helped me through some pretty tough times over the past 4 years and she’s always encouraging me to let go and let the flow of spirit into my life. Things work out better when I do this instead of trying to force solutions.
Can you describe your favorite part of the process in your work?
That’s a really tough question! I think there is something to be enjoyed in each step. I will say one favorite part is the point when things start coming together and the process is in full motion…no questioning, no doubting…the true conviction is there and it’s “go time” to get it carved, colored and printed. Then the process starts to have a joyful momentum behind it.
When you are in the studio, what are you listening to?
Lately, it’s been ambient music and specifically hand drumming. I don’t listen to much lyrical music anymore.
