Month: March 2021

Wouldn’t it be nice when viewing art, to have an instant download about the art you’re viewing? I know that I connect better with a work of art after hearing its story. As an artist, you hope people will take the time to read your bio, so they will have a better understanding of your story and the art you create, but they usually don’t. I can’t blame them, I just hope that after reading this article, viewers might take the time to ask an artist or gallerist, “What’s the story behind this piece?” I have seen Kate Eggleston’s work a few times over the years, but never knew the story about what she created and why.

What brought you to create the art that you make?

I concentrated on charcoal drawings and printmaking in undergrad. In 2011, I began hand dyeing textiles and creating soft sculptures. At this time, my husband and I began planning my future pregnancy. I was so worried about losing my identity to impending motherhood that I threw myself into art making. Like a lot of soon-to-be mothers, the subject matter in my work shifted to pregnancy, motherhood, and traditional female roles.

How does your current work play into the theme of motherhood?

The current imagery I’m playing with is that of an amorphous mounded form, which I use interchangeably as figurative and as part of the landscape. I have started to call them “pods”. I like the mark making aspect of developing this new visual language through these pods. They seem to be listening and waiting for something, a calm stillness about the forms. There is definitely a mothering aspect to the larger pods, who seem to be watchful of the smaller ones. Some of my previous soft sculptural work included stuffed, spiked shapes, so these drawn pods feel like a natural progression from 3-D to 2-D. Just like their textile cousins, these pods are tall and imposing but non-threatening. During the pandemic, I took a break from sewing. I had primarily worked with textiles for the last 10 years. The newer work I’m producing is largely 2-D paint, pen, and marker on paper and wood panel.

The pods seem to have a stitch-like feel to them, is that intentional?

Yes, I’m so glad you noticed this! The marks drawn inside of each pod is meant to reference my stitch work. I also sometimes add cobwebs dangling down from the top of scenes which are also like dangling threads.

How do you think the community can better support their artists?

There are so many wonderful local venues, arts organizations and other arts/culture opportunities available to Monmouth County artists and art lovers. If the county is able to offer more grants to artists and art lovers who are able to set up shop somewhere and contribute to community-building with activities, shows, and arts education, I’m also a big proponent of mini grants for artists, particularly artists who are parents with young children.

You can find Kate’s work at: kateeggs.com and on Instagram @kate.eggleston