Katrin Smith

Artist Statement
Abstract art is my passion. I use the abstract to raise questions, to invite the viewer to reflect – to make a connection. For me, asking the right question is far more important than the right answer to an irrelevant one. Everyday occurrences, sometimes a single word are the sources of my inspiration.

My creative process is intuitive, a journey to discover what the final creation will look like. Pushing boundaries is a constant in my artwork by experimenting with new techniques to create unique texture. I’m particularly interested in the texture of the painted surface and encourage the viewer to touch my work and feel its energy.  In the process of creating I am continually drawn to my personal palette of red, black and white sometimes accented with touches of gold. While I sometimes experiment with colour, this personal palette dominates my current body of work. For me, black and white represent an endless combination of polar opposites such as ying & yang, bold & reserved, good & evil, right & wrong, all or nothing. Red, on the other hand, provides the essence of passion, emotion, authority, warmth, energy and connection.

Ottawa artist and past president of the Foyer Gallery, Terry Sametz has said, “There is a very personal and contemplative quality about Katrin’s artwork. There is always a very controlled and focused aspect to her design and assemblage. They are not confrontational pieces but mature sometimes serene works that hold the viewer’s attention and engage the mind.”