Katie Deits

ARTIST STATEMENT

At first, my work may seem simply representational, but, on closer examination, it is deeply conceptual, filled with symbolism and meaning. By using Classical techniques, I create images that attract the viewer. Then, as the work is explored on a deeper level, the intellectual, emotional, and spiritual side of the person is affected. At that point, my pieces can achieve their deeper purpose.

My work is intended to effect social and personal change. Many of the images deal with human rights and are intended to educate and inspire the viewer. Simply put, the images are about finding a purpose, making a commitment to courage, honesty, personal freedom, and to helping and loving others. I strive to create art that makes people more conscious of their actions and the effect that those actions may have on their neighbors, their family, or other inhabitants of our planet.

As an artist, I have worked in many mediums, such as sculpture, photography, painting and video. The work which I am presenting herewith is sculpture in clay. However, no matter what the medium I choose to use, the intent is the same. Seen as a body of work, it is cohesive and meaningful.

“As I Think” is a life-sized head and shoulders sculpture of a nude, androgynous person, with an inquisitive expression. It is inscribed with quotations that have influenced my personal life philosophies. Buddha taught, “All that we are is the result of what we have thought,” while Bible text reads, “As a man thinketh in his heart, so is he.” There are quotes on the sculpture from great religious thinkers and philosophers, Star Wars, Helen Keller, “The Velveteen Rabbit,” and others. Viewers have the opportunity to read the words on the flesh, to “get inside the person’s head,” and to absorb the quotations into the viewer’s consciousness.

“Connection,” (a life-size sculpture of a Lakota Indian), is an installation that represents the Native American’s human-rights struggle. They believe we are connected; what is done to one part of the web of life affects all. A figure emerges from a tree trunk surrounded by four bowls: life stages, with quotations by Native-American philosophers about the cycle of life and earth and human rights.

“Destruction” is a life-size installation that is paired with “Connection” and represents how our society thoughtlessly disposes our natural environment, animal brothers and human cultures.

I believe that my role as an artist in society is not just to document and make pretty pictures or sculptures for visual enjoyment. My role is to present the opportunity to the viewer to become more aware, to present a philosophical concept, and to effect societal change and personal growth. My desire is in some way to help make that contribution and to offer hope in our often difficult world.