Katrin Eagle, Kilmacolm Artist Interview for Inverclyde Arts

How did you get started as an artist?

I was brought up in an artistic environment as my Mother and Grandmother were both artists and I enjoyed drawing as a child. However my career path was a scientific one as I obtained a degree in biology. I participated in evening classes in drawing, painting and ceramics but it was when I became a full time Mum that I returned to college to pursue my art.

How would you describe your artistic style?

I would say I have a contemporary style which has a tendency to be abstract but my drawing can be either a realistic representation of the subject or sometimes it just indicates the atmosphere of the location.

Are there any artists who influence your work?

The first artist to influence me was my mother.

Where do you take your inspiration from?

I think as a result of my scientific background I observe plants very closely. I am also inspired by the colours and shapes found in the natural world and landscape.

What media do you prefer working in?

I enjoy working in mixed media acrylics. The building of the layered texture background in different papers I see as a progression from my textile work.

What made you start to combine photographs with textiles?

It was when I moved to the US that I developed the technique of combining the two. We were living in rented accommodation and I did not have the means to do stitching in my textiles. I experimented and hit upon the idea of weaving images into strips of dyed natural fabric like cotton and silk.

Do you make all your own starting materials for your fibre manipulations?

Yes, I carry my camera with me at all times to record all sorts of subjects. The photograph which is printed onto fabric is the start of the artwork. I then dye the other pieces of fabric and build up the piece by weaving the image into the textiles to create patterns and textures.

What past project did you enjoy most and why?

In April this year I was fortunate to be selected as a featured artist at the Spring Daze art festival in Cary, North Carolina. The painting ‘Alium 6’ was used on the promotional material for the festival. I enjoyed seeing the posters and people sporting t-shirts with the painting printed on them.

Did you find any differences between working in the US and working in Scotland?

One difference which affected me personally was being involved in the Visual Arts Exchange. It is a non-profit making organisation which concerns itself with emerging artists and promoting visual arts for the benefit of the local community. Amongst other things there is an exhibition venue which is run by the artists themselves. They set up and organise all the events and hold graded monthly exhibitions which may or may not be judged. I enjoyed being part of a wider group and benefited from working with more experienced artists.

What are your ambitions and where do you see yourself going with your work in the future?

At the moment I am just enjoying the experience of seeing my work hung in peoples homes and hearing their reactions to it. I have only been back in Scotland for a couple of months and I am hoping to be represented by a gallery. The other thing I hope to do is expand my greeting card business.

What advice would you give an emerging artist trying to become established?

I would advise young artists to make the most of their time at college. To brainstorm all their creative ideas and just go for it!

What are your other interests and hobbies?

I am interested in creating my home and gardening. As I have been away for three years there is plenty of scope there. I also collect art deco pottery vases and jugs.

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My interview with an invited artist is published every month in Inverclyde Arts Newsletter. November 2006 - Katrin Eagle
Katrin Eagle’s creativity follows two main paths. She paints using acrylics and mixed media as well as creating innovative fibre manipulations by combining textiles with photographic images. Katrin was born in Leicester and completed a two year course in Stitched Textile and Fashion at Cardonald College, Glasgow in 2003. She has just returned to Scotland having spent the past three years with her family in the United States. Whilst there she continued to develop her art and had the opportunity to take part in several group exhibitions.
Klee Cat Alium 6 Peaceful Moment Reflection Katrin’s personal portfolio website How did you get started as an artist? I was brought up in an artistic environment as my Mother and Grandmother were both artists and I enjoyed drawing as a child. However my career path was a scientific one as I obtained a degree in biology. I participated in evening classes in drawing, painting and ceramics but it was when I became a full time Mum that I returned to college to pursue my art. How would you describe your artistic style? I would say I have a contemporary style which has a tendency to be abstract but my drawing can be either a realistic representation of the subject or sometimes it just indicates the atmosphere of the location. Are there any artists who influence your work? The first artist to influence me was my mother. Where do you take your inspiration from? I think as a result of my scientific background I observe plants very closely. I am also inspired by the colours and shapes found in the natural world and landscape. What media do you prefer working in? I enjoy working in mixed media acrylics. The building of the layered texture background in different papers I see as a progression from my textile work. What made you start to combine photographs with textiles? It was when I moved to the US that I developed the technique of combining the two. We were living in rented accommodation and I did not have the means to do stitching in my textiles. I experimented and hit upon the idea of weaving images into strips of dyed natural fabric like cotton and silk. Do you make all your own starting materials for your fibre manipulations? Yes, I carry my camera with me at all times to record all sorts of subjects. The photograph which is printed onto fabric is the start of the artwork. I then dye the other pieces of fabric and build up the piece by weaving the image into the textiles to create patterns and textures. What past project did you enjoy most and why? In April this year I was fortunate to be selected as a featured artist at the Spring Daze art festival in Cary, North Carolina. The painting ‘Alium 6’ was used on the promotional material for the festival. I enjoyed seeing the posters and people sporting t-shirts with the painting printed on them. Did you find any differences between working in the US and working in Scotland? One difference which affected me personally was being involved in the Visual Arts Exchange. It is a non-profit making organisation which concerns itself with emerging artists and promoting visual arts for the benefit of the local community. Amongst other things there is an exhibition venue which is run by the artists themselves. They set up and organise all the events and hold graded monthly exhibitions which may or may not be judged. I enjoyed being part of a wider group and benefited from working with more experienced artists. What are your ambitions and where do you see yourself going with your work in the future? At the moment I am just enjoying the experience of seeing my work hung in peoples homes and hearing their reactions to it. I have only been back in Scotland for a couple of months and I am hoping to be represented by a gallery. The other thing I hope to do is expand my greeting card business. What advice would you give an emerging artist trying to become established? I would advise young artists to make the most of their time at college. To brainstorm all their creative ideas and just go for it! What are your other interests and hobbies? I am interested in creating my home and gardening. As I have been away for three years there is plenty of scope there. I also collect art deco pottery vases and jugs.

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