Meet Kathryn Vinson: Sculptor , working in Stone , wood ,metal and now recycled plastics

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

Hi Kathryn, what role has risk played in your life or career?
You always take a risk by making art. There is the risk that you will never sell a piece or even have it seen by anyone , but its a risk that most of us are willing to take because to do otherwise is to always be wishing you had . Once you have the art bug you start to identify your self by the things you do. When you first start to become a full time working artist its a little like leaping off a cliff and finding your wings on the way down. Sometimes you fall and hit hard but you have to keep jumping or you stall out . Beginnings and endings are always risky , you risk not doing your idea or you risk it not being what you hoped it would be but its best to just move forward , finish the work and make another. Send your work out into the world and learn to grow a thick skin when you get public response to it . Your work will not be every ones cup of tea and taking constructive criticism is just as important as taking compliments to growing as an artist. Take risks and try new stuff new media new ideas .

Alright, so let’s move onto what keeps you busy professionally?
I am a working sculptor in Loveland Colorado . My primary work is botanical subjects carved in stone and sometimes combined with wood , copper or enamel elements . I love natural forms and carving has given me the vehicle to express that love. I am kind of a plant nerd , that is anywhere I go the first thing I will notice is the plants and or rocks in the area and am likely to give an unasked for identification .My husband has gotten used to it but most people just look at me a little funny , but it tells you a little about where my mind is. Those forms are embedded and they come out when I carve . I started as a wood carver but once i got my hands on my first piece of alabaster I was smitten, I have been adding elements as I go along and it enhances my intent . Lately I have taken a new leap and tried working with recycled plastics , something completely different for me but it has been exciting to see what I can make with a new medium . I have also always been a solo artist but have found that I enjoy forming partnerships with other artists , it gives me a whole new perspective .

If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
Well I hang out downtown all the time , I almost consider myself a denizen of Down town Loveland , favorite spots are The Coffee Tree , Dark Heart Coffee or Dougs Day Diner for Breakfast . Then visit the galleries down town , Independence gallery is a favorite or go take a walk through the Benson Sculpture Park . Maybe take a hike outside of Loveland at The Devils backbone or go kayaking at one of the many public lakes . finish the day at one of the Breweries or pubs in Loveland , my favorite is the Laurate and then Verboten Brewing or Loveland Ale works or the Back yard Tap , for dinner Henrys or Door 222 are great spots. Shoutout is all about shouting out others who you feel deserve additional recognition and exposure. Who would you like to shoutout?
shout out to my husband Richard Vinson , who is my best and most important critic and patron . Shout out to Ellen Woodbury who is a true rock star and whom I have learned so much about how to show my work . Shout out to Heather Fortin Rubald for introducing me to a new and exciting medium . Shout out to the Loveland Sculpture in the Park, for providing an amazing place with eager patrons to sell my work through and to join the family of sculptors who show there . shout out to Wild Horse Gallery for representing my work in their lovely gallery .

Website: www.kathrynvinson.com
Instagram: vinsonkathrynart
Facebook: Stony Ground Studios sculpture by Kathryn Vinson also the 4th Street Aquarium project

Image Credits
images taken by Kathryn Vinson