Kaitlin Waldera
Artist Bio
Inspired by anatomy and biology, Kaitlin Waldera uses pattern, texture, and transparency to create works of art that draw the audience's attention to their anatomy and health. Primarily a printmaker, Waldera utilizes layers on multiple surfaces that interact with each other via their transparent nature or cutting away information to reveal what is below. Experimenting with mixed media and fiber arts, Waldera works toward creating art objects that convert the disturbing quality of our insides into something the audience wants to touch and handle.
After growing up in Minnesota and getting a liberal arts education she became interested in how art and science interact. The goal of her work is to create a transition between the medical field and potential patients to ease the nerves and apprehensions that arise between the two.
Artist Statement
Many people only pay attention to their inner anatomy when something is wrong. To change this, my goal is to create pieces that draw people's attention to their own bodies and health. Ordinarily, the medical field can be an intimidating place, one that focuses on topics that make the majority squeamish. With this in mind, this feeling of unease can be felt in some of my pieces because I want people to confront their fears and know they don’t have to feel this way. I wish to convert this apprehension and worry into understanding and beauty. This is an important pursuit in this day and age where concerns regarding health care, such as antibiotic resistance, vaccines, prevention, and cures of X disease, run high.
While learning various printmaking techniques, I have fallen in love with the process of artmaking. To push the boundaries of what I have learned thus far, I am creating multiple images that, when layered, create an interactive whole. With this in mind, I intend to further explore this concept in other mediums such as fiber and book art. By creating an art object, I encourage the audience to engage with the artwork by flipping through these layers, encountering new perspectives and awareness. Another interest inspired by printmaking I am in the midst of exploring is regarding the matrix itself as art instead of as an instrument to make art. My images are inspired by the organic patterns hidden within human anatomy utilizing: the transparency of the materials, layers, pattern, texture and light. These artistic principles allow me to create windows that make visible the world beneath our skin. As a result, “Art does not represent the visible; rather it makes visible” (Klee).
