Pop Hop Artist Showcase: Catherine Stetson

Next up on our Pop Hop Artist Showcase is the illustrious Catherine Stetson!

Boy Decending-Assending a Staircase by Catherine Stetson

Here's more about Catherine in her own words:

Growing up I did not think I could be an artist. I didn't draw very well. I blame my inability to see three-dimensionally. It wasn't until I discovered photography my senior year of college that I realized that I am an artist. Until then, I was a victim of the popular misconception that artists had to draw what they saw. Once I had my epiphany, the entire world of art changed for me. Later as an educator, I made it my mission to show my students that making art was so much more than drawing. I wanted them to feel the freedom to express and envision new things that creativity gave me.

1. How did you start creating art?

When I was young I didn't know I was making art, but looking back I know that is what I was doing. I made my own paper dolls and spend hours "coloring." I also created this funny character that was a cowboy made from a heart. I put him everywhere. I even made greeting cards with him on it. Later, when I got my first camera as a teenager, most of my photos were optical illusions. I would make my friends stand in the foreground with their arm out like they were holding a tray of food. I would send another person down the street to make it look like they were a little person standing on a hand. I loved playing with space!

I Concur by Catherine Stetson

I Concur by Catherine Stetson

2. Who is your favorite artist and why?

My first favorite artist was Vincent Van Gogh. His use of color, texture and expression showed me that there was a whole lot more than meets the eye. My favorite photographer is Minor White. His black and white images are the essence of formal photography. They appear clean and simple, but are truly adventurous and full of content.

3. Do you have any interesting or funny stories you'd like to share?

I got my first camera (Kodak Instamatic) when I was 14 years old. My father, who early in his career was once a male model, gave me instructions that every photo I take should have a person in it. You may notice quite quickly, people are rarely the subject of my photos. Sorry Dad!

4. What is your favorite tool you use to create your art?

I am a photographer, so using a camera is my main tool, however I must say that time and space are my favorite tools. I am compelled to capture that delicate relationship they, along with light, make in my photography.

Man Ray Was Here by Catherine Stetson

5. What inspires you?

I am inspired by creativity, especially when someone thinks out of the box. I am thrilled when I see something clever and a bit risky. I think about how Van Gogh, Man Ray and Duchamp must have been perceived as crazy! Their journeys are inspirational to me.

Thanks so much Catherine! And if you're as gobsmacked as we are with her work, come get one for yourself Tomorrow, Sept. 12 at the Southside Maker Arts Center!