Katherine Taylor: Metamorphosis

Press Release

Katherine Taylor-Porcustick, 2023, stainless steel, 36X30X32 inches

Skoto Gallery is pleased to present Metamorphosis, an exhibition of new works by the American-born sculptor Katherine Taylor. This is the fourth solo exhibition by the artist at the gallery. The reception is on Thursday, September 7th, 6-8 pm.

Katherine Taylor’s (KT) recent sculpture continues to explore strategies that fuse her themes and concern for elements drawn from the natural world with an awareness of a vast array of both formal and inherited sculptural traditions and techniques. Highly textured and rigorously constructed, her work starts in the outdoors and draws on the materiality of the landscape, a capacious imaginative energy and a ferocious will to create a body of work of harrowing beauty and insightfulness that constitute a remarkable statement about the interconnectedness of nature and the human spirit. Her practice of swapping tree bark textures for their animal counterparts creates subtle and uncanny mimicry that results in sculptures appearing to be in a state of constant flux: a strange back-and-forth that gives the viewer what the artist calls a sense of visual refreshment. In the artist’s own words: “Texture swapping involves the meticulous process of capturing the intricate details of various natural textures and then seamlessly blending them with unexpected counterparts. The juxtaposition of these textures results in a captivating fusion that surprises, intrigues, and provokes contemplation. By taking elements from the environment and swapping them out with one another, I aim to inspire a newfound appreciation for the beauty and complexity of the world around us”

Included in the exhibition is “Porcustick, 2022”, a remarkable stainless steel piece that marries the texture of magnolia seed pods and budding tree branches. The sculpture invites tactile exploration, provoking sensations that mirror the porcupine’s defense mechanism. Bark Owl, 2023, masterfully plays on the ability of this nocturnal bird of prey to disguise among the trees. By employing the unique texture swapping technique, the very essence of the owl’s perch is captured in the sculpture’s texture. As you gaze upon the intricately molded form, you’ll witness the symbiotic relationship between the bark texture and the bird, discovering the secrets woven into their visual harmony, much like a hidden ‘Easter egg’ waiting to be uncovered. KT’s artistry lies in her careful selection of textures, resulting in a sensory invasion that challenges preconceived notions of both art and nature.

KT is a prolific artist who divides her time between Texas, the Adirondack Mountains, and northern Spain, where her foundry, Alfa Arte, is located. She is presently working on a ‘prairie dog’ sculpture commission for the Museum of the Southwest located in Midland, TX. In addition to enriching its permanent collection, the artist’s task involves not only creating a visually engaging ‘prairie dog’ sculpture but also ensuring its educational significance, offering insights into the lives of these creatures. Next year, “Falcon”, a large metal sculpture with an astonishing 14-foot wingspan, completed in 2023 is scheduled for installation at the University of Texas Permian Basin. The resulting artwork aptly captures the vivacity and essence of the university’s beloved Falcon mascot.