Fine Art
KATHLEEN ZIMMERMAN
Printmaker & Sculptor
Kathleen describes her style and the inspiration she draws from animals and the natural world.
Do you have a similar style throughout your work - in both sculpture and printmaking?
Yes, and I have been told this as well. My love of simple forms, as well as combining natural and abstract shapes, is seen in both. I began my art career working for an art casting foundry that produced cast bronze sculpture. Then I began creating my own sculpture, which I concentrated on until I went to art school. At Hartford Art School, my love of drawing led me to work in printmaking as well as sculpture. Today, I tend to work back and forth.
For me, creating artwork is a meditative practice of sorts that helps me slow down and think about life. Over the years, I have developed a personal visual language that uses symbolism and surrealism to transform my subject matter into archetypal images. I have been told this gives my work a mythical quality, both timely and timeless.
Yes, and I have been told this as well. My love of simple forms, as well as combining natural and abstract shapes, is seen in both. I began my art career working for an art casting foundry that produced cast bronze sculpture. Then I began creating my own sculpture, which I concentrated on until I went to art school. At Hartford Art School, my love of drawing led me to work in printmaking as well as sculpture. Today, I tend to work back and forth.
For me, creating artwork is a meditative practice of sorts that helps me slow down and think about life. Over the years, I have developed a personal visual language that uses symbolism and surrealism to transform my subject matter into archetypal images. I have been told this gives my work a mythical quality, both timely and timeless.
To Be or Not to Be? Forest
Graphite on Stonehenge Paper (1st in Series of 6) Image Size ~ 17 x 11 inches / Total Size ~ 19 x 13 inches © Kathleen Zimmerman |
Farm - Horse Barn Hill
Sculpture 5 x 4 x 2 feet © Kathleen Zimmerman |
What do you like about the printmaking process?
My love of the drawn image is why I like printmaking. I have tried various printmaking methods, and they all have their own aesthetic. What makes serigraphy the perfect printmaking method for my art is that I can retain areas of pure white paper, capture the tonality of my drawings, and place blocks of intense color that either overlaps part of the image or lightly kisses the edge of image.
What was the inspiration behind your "Global Series?"
My Global series is meant as a gentle reminder that humanity is not separate from nature but a part of it. In Bear Hugs, polar bears are portrayed in a circular format to represent life on Earth and a loving embrace. The red dot represents the sun, warmth, and the need to stop and consider the effect humanity has on the natural world.
My love of the drawn image is why I like printmaking. I have tried various printmaking methods, and they all have their own aesthetic. What makes serigraphy the perfect printmaking method for my art is that I can retain areas of pure white paper, capture the tonality of my drawings, and place blocks of intense color that either overlaps part of the image or lightly kisses the edge of image.
What was the inspiration behind your "Global Series?"
My Global series is meant as a gentle reminder that humanity is not separate from nature but a part of it. In Bear Hugs, polar bears are portrayed in a circular format to represent life on Earth and a loving embrace. The red dot represents the sun, warmth, and the need to stop and consider the effect humanity has on the natural world.
Bear Hug 1 (Global Series)
Small Edition Handmade Serigraph Image Size ~ 12 x 12 inches / Printed ~ 18 x 18 inches (on Coventry Rag Paper) © Kathleen Zimmerman |
Bear Hug 2 (Global Series)
Small Edition Handmade Serigraph Image Size ~ 12 x 12 inches / Printed ~ 18 x 18 inches (on Coventry Rag Paper) © Kathleen Zimmerman |
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Your drawing style is unique - lots of white space adjacent to layered detail in carefully chosen shapes/sections. Please explain. I begin with an idea that I want to explore and think about the best way to express it before I start drawing. Then I lay out a simple line drawing to set the basic composition. All the lines and shapes are thoughtfully drawn so that they are aesthetically pleasing and symbolically meaningful. I use the white of the paper as part of the drawing to tie the marks to the substrate in a real way. Then I add shading from the darkest areas to the lightest to set the tonal range. Abstract shapes evolve as I think about my subject matter and the idea, adding another level of meaning. As I draw, these abstract shapes begin to play off one another leading to further abstraction, layers of meaning, and a more balanced overall feel to the entire composition. I step back numerous times during this phase of the drawing, so I can see when the drawing has everything it needs but nothing it doesn't. At this point, if I have succeeded, the drawing has come to life and is now a complete visual statement fusing together my subject matter and my idea. |
Midday Star
Graphite Drawing on Stonehenge Paper Image Size ~ 11 x 11 inches / Total Size ~ 14 x 14 inches © Kathleen Zimmerman |
Animals are clearly an inspiration. Please elaborate.
I find inspiration and insight into the world around me by looking to nature. Elements from the natural world, especially animals, seem to help me think through ideas concerning relationships, the environment and culture.
I was born in Fort Collins, Colorado, nestled along the front range of the Rocky Mountains. My father was a carpenter, with a love for the outdoors, and my mother was an educator, with a love for the arts. At an early age, I explored the mountains of Colorado with my family as well as the horse pasture with our Welsh pony. These were developmental experiences that instilled in me a love for the natural world and a strong bond with animals. Basically, I have always seen animals as kindred spirits.
I find inspiration and insight into the world around me by looking to nature. Elements from the natural world, especially animals, seem to help me think through ideas concerning relationships, the environment and culture.
I was born in Fort Collins, Colorado, nestled along the front range of the Rocky Mountains. My father was a carpenter, with a love for the outdoors, and my mother was an educator, with a love for the arts. At an early age, I explored the mountains of Colorado with my family as well as the horse pasture with our Welsh pony. These were developmental experiences that instilled in me a love for the natural world and a strong bond with animals. Basically, I have always seen animals as kindred spirits.
Counting Sheep 2
Original Model: Plaster
These sculptures are intended to be enlarged to life-size & grouped in different arrangements in the landscape.
© Kathleen Zimmerman
Original Model: Plaster
These sculptures are intended to be enlarged to life-size & grouped in different arrangements in the landscape.
© Kathleen Zimmerman
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Tell us about your new series, "Kindred Spirits."
Kindred Spirits explores the close relationships we have with animals and how animals are beneficial spirits who can lead us to enlightenment. The mass extinction crisis has brought home the need to rethink how we see the other living beings we share the Earth with. In this series, I am portraying various people and the animals they have chosen to spend their lives with. I’ve included an image of my son Dillon and his ferret, Spike. Where do you find sanctuary? I find sanctuary both in my studio when I am creating and in the natural world when I am exploring or gardening. |
Dillon and Spike
Drawing on Paper Image Size 11 x 11 inches / Total size 15 x 15 inches © Kathleen Zimmerman |
Kathleen Zimmerman
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Kathleen Zimmerman was born in Fort Collins, Colorado, which is nestled along the front range of the Rocky Mountains. Her father was a carpenter, and her mother was an educator. Family time was spent exploring the mountains in a '47 Willy's Jeep or with their Welsh pony. These developmental experiences instilled a love for the natural world and a strong bond with animals.
As far back as she can remember, Kathleen wanted to make things. Her passion for creativity and expression was noticed in school and eventually earned her artistic merit scholarships from the University of Hartford's Art School, Connecticut, where she received a Bachelor of Fine Arts degree. Her love for the drawn image and the beauty of organic forms led her to specialize in printmaking and sculpture. After graduating, Kathleen raised her two sons while working as an art teacher and for Lands End Sculpture Center. Later, she acquired a residency for five years in China, where she worked full-time as an artist and became part of a group of international artists. After she moved back to the U.S., she began exhibiting widely. She has won numerous awards and honorary memberships, including NAWA membership. Currently, she spends her studio time creating graphite drawings, serigraphic prints, and models for life-sized sculpture. |
Kathleen's Models for Counting Sheep 1, 2, 3, & 4
UPCOMING EXHIBITION:
"The Art for All" Seasonal Group Show Canal Street Art Gallery 23 Canal Street Bellows Falls, VT Now - January 7, 2023 |
