Based in Austin, Texas, Canadian native Katherine Boxall (b. 1993 Ottawa) holds a MFA from the San Francisco Art Institute and a BFA from Queen's University at Kingston. Although Boxall began as a figurative painter, she gradually loosened her lines, breaking down the form of the body into broad expanses and elongated contours. Now Boxall works primarily in abstraction, creating lush, expressive paintings - often on an epic scale - using a mix of materials such as acrylic, spray paint, pastel, and oil.
How did you get into art?
From a young age, my parents encouraged me to explore art materials and express myself, whether abstractly or through rendering objects, scenes, and people around me. Growing up, my mother would set up a little easel for me to paint in plein air during the day and my father would provide me with paint-by-numbers for the evenings when I was unable to sleep.
As I grew up, I became enamored with the history and significance of painting as displayed in museums and was encouraged by my high school art teacher at Ashbury College in Ottawa to pursue a Bachelor of Fine Art (BFA) at Queen's University in Kingston. My passion for art continuted with an international exchange at the University of New South Wales Art & Design in Sydney and with a Masters in Fine Art (MFA) Fellowship at the San Francisco Art Institute in California.
Post-academia, I have been working for the past five years as an artist in studios across various cities such as Charlotte, North Carolina; Austin, Texas; and New York City, to craft emotive abstract paintings that are rich in color, energy, and texture. My work is represented by Jerald Melberg Gallery, has been exhibited internationally, and recently honored with a solo exhibition at The Mint Museum.
How would you describe your style? What makes your work special?
Currently, my style is characterized by bold and colorful abstract paintings. I take risks with compositions and materials, yet I consider myself a thoughtful painter. I invest substantial time reflecting on my studio decisions, utilizing a blend of deliberate and spontaneous mark-making. My art dealer, Jerald Melberg, notes: "Boxall creates lush, expressive paintings that exude conviction, energy, and knowledgeable composition."
How do you go about developing your work?
The development of my work begins with the meticulous preparation of my canvas and compositional sketches. Following this, I make decisions regarding the mood of the piece, the color palette, and the density of the paint application. The abstract imagery in my paintings evolves from initial washes and pencil drawings with acrylics, and then matures through the incorporation of oil paints and handmade pastels.
Who or what influences you?
My influences are the aesthetics of my surroundings, honestly anything that captivates me visually. I enjoy experiencing art in galleries and museums, paying close attention to design and architecture, attending live music events, experimenting with fashion, savoring exquisite food, and, of course, spending time in nature, with friends, my family and my golden retriever Sophie.
Make us curious. What are you planning to do next?
I recently inaugurated my third solo exhibition at the Jerald Melberg Gallery, titled "TIME AND PLACE," which is on display from October 28 to December 9, 2023, in Charlotte, North Carolina. This exhibition showcases twelve new abstract paintings that I have created this year, drawn from my time spent in studios in Austin, Texas, and New York City. The exhibition also includes an extraordinary rug collaboration with Couture Knots, an internationally renowned rug boutique. This collaboration marks my first foray into rug design, hand-knotted and woven in Nepal using the finest wools, silks, and pigments. I am not only thrilled to expand my art into a unique and collectible form of textile art but also to ensure that the entire rug production is certified by Label STEP for ethical practices.
Additionally, my current works will be on display at Art Miami during Miami Art Week from December 5-11, 2023. And lastly, I have recently finished a significant commission that will be unveiled and showcased in the lounge of Fountaine Bleu Las Vegas, a luxury hotel set to open at the end of this year.
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