2019 E.A.S.T. ARTIST HIGHLIGHT | Kate Fitzpatrick
Kate Fitzpatrick
We're exploring the world of the dozens of local artists featured at MMAC’s 2019 EAST gallery and their mediums. The goal of this series is to shed light on real-life Central Texas artists exploring what & why they create.
Q: Introduce us to yourself and your creative medium!
A: Hello! My name is Kate Fitzpatrick and I am a wildlife artist and children’s book illustrator. I am fascinated by animal behavior and animal stories, which is what I aim to show in my work. I paint with acrylic paints on wood panels, and I also do illustrations on heavyweight paper with art markers. I use lots of colors, dots, and swirly lines!
Kate Fitzpatrick
Q: With your art, what kind of message or story do you find yourself trying to convey and how do you use your medium to do that?
A: Well, first and foremost I really love animals and it brings me joy to draw and paint them. I think a lot about the ways in which humans and animals interact, and how we communicate with them - and they with us. I believe that animals have their own culture, histories, and stories. For example, did you know that elephants have been known to have funeral rituals? There is a belief system that I’ve observed in which humans believe that animals exist for our use and benefit. It’s a belief system that I hope to challenge through my work, by showing true stories of love, loss, and autonomy in the animal kingdom.
Kate Fitzpatrick
Q: What are you excited about for EAST this year?
A: This is my first time participating in EAST and I’m so excited! I’m really looking forward to meeting other artists and meeting all the people who come out for the tour. I’m curious to see what stories and images from my work resonate with people and in what ways.
Check out more of Kate’s work on her Website
ABOUT BIG MEDIUM’S EAST AUSTIN STUDIO TOUR:
Big Medium's East Austin Studio Tour (EAST) is a free, annual, self-guided art event spanning two weekends in November. EAST provides opportunities for the public to meet the artists and artisans of Austin in their creative spaces.