Meet Katie Knudsen | Multidisciplinary Artist and Creative

We had the good fortune of connecting with Katie Knudsen and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Katie, what are you inspired by?
Overall, I am deeply inspired by elements of nature, fungi, biology, anatomy, mental health, identity, and group collaboration based projects. Currently, I have been drawn to and influenced by exploring topics of slime mold, reproductive rights, carnivorous plants, and the ways by which humanity could learn important lessons for survival from the flora and fauna of our biosphere. In my eyes, I view nature as a source of higher power and thus, my work and process is deeply impacted by this. Because of this perspective, I am typically drawn to using found and recycled material as much as possible throughout the creation of my work and hope to continue to find ways to utilize more sustainable materials and practices as I create in the future. I find artists like Dasha Plesen, Regan Rosburg, and Heather Barnett highly influential to the body of work I am producing currently because of the ways that they honor and symbiotically work natural elements into their practices.

Alright, so let’s move onto what keeps you busy professionally?
I feel what sets me apart from others is my willingness to try new things and having an open-mind towards the way I approach my art practice and my life in general. I am highly drawn to mixing media, trying new methods I’ve never explored before, and trying to find unconventional ways to approach projects, which are all things I am very proud of and excited about. My skill set ranges from metal fabrication to jewelry making, sculpture, printmaking, painting, mural work, ink work, and biological art practices- but I am always looking forward to trying out new methods and mediums. It wasn’t easy to get to where I am at today, as I have had to overcome and am still overcoming intense self doubt, mental health struggles, and fears about taking the leap into my lifelong dream of pursuing the arts. I have worked toward overcoming these things through a lot of personal work and focus upon my mental health, but truly wouldn’t be where I am today without the impact of some pretty amazing artists and individuals along the way that pushed me and inspired me to keep moving forward. I am not afraid to work hard and will put all of my effort into whatever it is I am doing, whether that’s learning a new method for painting, staying late at the studio to add just a little more detail to a sculpture, and any or everything in between . I would want the world to know that I view art as a collaborative process- while naturally, some work may be done individually, I feel more success is found through collective collaboration and community engagement. Talking to others and learning from them brings more ideas, perspectives, diversity and motivation to grow and thrive together. Additionally, learning from the various organisms all around us within our environment, furthers this collaborative spirit and encourages a wider range of community to learn and create art from.

Any places to eat or things to do that you can share with our readers? If they have a friend visiting town, what are some spots they could take them to?
If my best friend was coming to Denver for a week, I would definitely try to get them to a First Friday art walk over on Santa Fe street, as it is the ideal place to see amazingly talented local artists in Denver. For activities, I would take them on a hike at Red Rocks or to a concert at Fiddlers Green Amphitheatre where they could see some live music and take a break by walking through Marjorie Park to marvel at the sculpture garden there. I would take them to a light/sound emersion or tour of Lumonics Gallery, to a blacksmithing or welding class at the incredible metal space Hardy and Fuller, and maybe to an art show at Redline, Kirkland Museum, Squirm, or one of the many other amazing art galleries Denver has to offer. I would make sure to take them to some of my favorite restaurants around town, including Aloy Thai, Tamayo, Call Your Mother Deli, Blue Pan Pizza, and Wild Taco, just to name a few! For a coffee or tea break, my go to is Pablo’s Coffee- they have an amazing staff and some really tasty beverages- so I’d absolutely take them there as well and maybe head to Cheeseman Park for an afternoon in the Colorado sunshine.

Shoutout is all about shouting out others who you feel deserve additional recognition and exposure. Who would you like to shoutout?
So many people have positively impacted my journey into the creative field. I hold so much appreciation for professor Diane Adams of Miracosta College (Oceanside, CA) for initially instilling confidence in me as an artist at the start of my journey in pursuing art. Additionally, I have the upmost respect and gratitude for the faculty and students of the Art Department at MSU Denver and CU Denver, notably Walter Ware, Marin Abell, Leslie Boyd, Natascha Seideneck, Anne Thulson, Matt Jenkins, Erica Rawson, and Charles Levesque, among so many others who have been amazing support systems, mentors, and inspirations to me as I move through art school. And lastly, of course, I wouldn’t be where I am today without the loving support of my amazing family, life partner, and friends who encourage me to keep going and constantly support me as I pursue my dreams.

Website: https://www.katieknudsen.com/

Instagram: https://katieknudsen.art

Image Credits
Heather L. of the Museum of Outdoor Arts