In her abstract paintings, South Carolina’s Katie Walker draws on memories of places and people she has encountered.
The artist: Born in Pensacola, Walker grew up in Greenville, SC. She earned an art degree from Furman University and an MFA degree in painting/drawing from the University of Georgia. She also studied and taught in Cortona, Italy. Walker has been painting professionally since 1998.
The studio: Walker works in the ArtBomb Studios, located in the former Brandon Mill General Store building in West Greenville, SC. The building was converted nearly 20 years ago into light-filled art studios.
Goods & materials: Abstract paintings filled with color and various forms, usually created with acrylic paint on canvas, wood and paper.
Her process: Involves drawing, painting, cutting and joining canvas to build her own visual vocabulary.
Favorite tool: A 60-year-old Swingline staple-gun acquired from her grandmother. Walker uses it every day.
What’s popular: Small and large paintings ($500 to $13,000).
A favorite artist: Eva Hesse.
Fun request: Invited to participate in the Florence Biennale at the Fortezza de Basso in Italy in 2005.
Big break: Asked to sign a contract to work with Sandler Hudson Gallery in Atlanta the day she finished graduate school. Then, shortly after, Walker signed with Hodges Taylor Gallery in Charlotte.
What’s next: Branching out West. Will exhibit at 45 Center Gallery & Studio, a new gallery opening in 2021 near Park City, UT.
Where to buy:
- Blue Spiral 1 Gallery, Asheville
- Hodges Taylor Gallery, Charlotte, NC
- If ART Gallery, Columbia, SC
- Art and Light Gallery, Greenville, SC
- Sandler Hudson Gallery, Atlanta, GA
Get social at: [email protected]
