Katy Drury Anderson

Artist Statement

“There is a vitality, a life force, a quickening that is translated through you into action. There is a blessed unrest that keeps us marching and makes us more alive than others.” Martha Graham

That “quickening,” that “life force” is a constant energy that surges through my veins and sparks my creativity. I make art because I must. An interesting concept, an unusual form, or a sudden vision can steal me from my duties or awaken me from my dreams. The challenge of creating beauty or complexity from something raw and simple has inspired me to explore a variety of media. However, since 2009 I have become passionate about felting wool. By using wet and dry techniques, laminating gauzy silks to the wool fibers, inlaying embellishments, and blending colored fleece, I create painterly fabrics and unique sculptures. My 37 years as an Obstetrical nurse has deeply informed my art. As in the process of creating life, felting requires strength, calculation, patience, and a sensitive connection to the subtle transformation of the material. My commitments to preserve the environment and protect civil rights often influences my work. My series of naturally distressed American flags emerged from my intense reaction to the past administration’s focus on the destruction of our environment, our civil rights, our constitution, and ultimately our democracy. Six of my felted pieces were inspired by my deep respect for our planet’s water bodies and their delicate, endangered ecosystems. Life is so precious. When nature and our rights are threatened, I believe it is imperative to use my voice as an artist and an activist to protect them.

Biography

Although I was born a third generation Irish San Franciscan, I was raised in Santa Barbara until I moved to Berkeley for college. The social unrest of the late 60’s and early 70’s threw me into the Anti-War, Civil Rights, and Feminist Movements, and spawned my thirst to create art with social consciousness. Being born and raised in California has afforded me the opportunity to explore awe-inspiring mountains, streams, forests, beaches, and our glorious ocean. Subsequently, my love of nature and social responsibility have merged and informed the direction and messaging of my art. After graduating from UCB in sociology, I earned a BSN in Nursing from USF, and became an Obstetrical nurse. Although, I had begun my UCB studies as an art major, I could not afford the supplies, so switched majors to sociology. I continued to expand my passion for art by taking many courses through UC extension, College of Marin, and other independent workshops. I raised three wonderful children in Marin County (my husband helped a little 😉 and continue to explore my artistic direction, fight for social justice and environmental causes, travel, pursue my interests in reading, writing, singing, yoga, hiking, paddling, promoting friendships, and enjoying my extended family. I count my blessings everyday, for my gifts are abundant.

Art Medium(s)

Mixed Media, Sculpture, Fiber, Clothing

Group Exhibitions

2023

March: “I Choose, Therefore I Am,” Silver Street Studios at Sawyer Yards, Houston, Tx.

2022

November: Fiberdimensions at Villa Marin, San Rafael, CA.

April: “Fiber Arts, “The Expressive and Innovative” O’Hanlon Center for the Arts, Mill Valley, CA.

2021

April: “2020 Vison” Cabrillo Gallery, Second Place Prize Award, Aptos, CA.

Jan/Feb: ” How Are You?” Art Works Downtown, San Rafael, CA.

January/February: “How Are You?” Art Works Downtown, San

2020

March: “100 Years of Freedom”, Art Works Downtown, San Rafael, CA.

2019

August: “Fiberdimensions at MONCA”, Chico, CA.

2018

December: “Fiberdimensions at Pence Gallery”, Davis, CA.

August: “Green,” Sebastopol Center for the Arts, Award: Second Place

July: Marin County Fair, Award: Third Place,Fine Arts,Textiles.

June: “Storytelling, “Art Works Downtown, San Rafael, CA.

2016

June: “Focus on Fiber,” SFAC, Sacramento, CA. Award: “Most Unusual Wearable.”

May: “Recycle, “Brooklyn Waterfront Artist Coalition, Brooklyn, NY.

2015

May: “Recycle,” Brooklyn Waterfront Artist Coalition, Brooklyn, NY.

January: “Fiber,”Artworks Downtown, San Rafael, CA. Highlighted Artist, “Marin Independent Journal.”

2014

September: “Art of the Bra,” Blue Line Arts, Roseville, CA.

Juried exhibition and auction supporting women fighting breast cancer.

September: Featured Artist, Blue Line Arts Online Magazine

2013

December: Intersections VI, Fiberdimension, San Francisco, CA.

July: California State Fair, Sacramento, CA. Award of ExcellenceFebruary: Crocker Art Museum presents 5 Award Winners from the Crocker – Kingsley Exhibit

2012

July: “Rivers and Streams,” Healdsburg Art Center, Healdsburg, CA.

August: “Crossroads,” National Juried Exhibition, Awarded Second Place

November: Crocker-Kingsley Exhibit at the Blue Line Gallery, Roseville, CA. (Honorable Mention)

2011

July: Fiber Art from the Bay Area, Blue line Gallery, Roseville, CA.

July: Fiberdimensions at the Bay Model, Sausalito, CA.

July: Fiber Artistry, Healdsburg Center for the Arts, Healdsburg, CA.

April: 43rd International Fiber Art Exhibiton, Olive-Hyde Gallery, Fremont, CA.

2010

October, Intersections V, Fiberdimensions at the Presidio, San Francisco

2009

July: Fort Mason Center, ” Green Dimensions” Fort Mason Center, San Francisco

June: “Fiberdimensions at Falkirk Cultural Center, San Rafael, CA

2008

July: ” IntersectionsIV: Fiberdimensions Art Exhibition” San Francisco, CA.

July: ” I Express….” Sonoma State University Library Art Center, Sonoma, CA.

2007

“Nothing New” Joan Mondale Gallery, Minneapolis, MN

“3rd Annual Fiber Art Exhibition” Santa Cruz Art League

2006

March: Fiber/Dimensions at the Pence Gallery. Davis, CA.

Intersections III Fiberdimensions Art Exhibition, San Francisco, CA“Fiber Art” Sebastopol Center for the Arts, Sebastopol, CA.

2005

Sept.: “Piece: Fiberworks and Quilts,” Alameda Center for the Arts, Award of Excellence

July: “Rock, Paper, Scissors,” Sausalito, CA.

April: Bay Model. Fiber/Dimensions, Sausalito, CA.

Jan.: DiRosa Preserve Annual Juried Exhibition, Napa CA.

2004

Nov.: “Fiber/Dimensions at Pacifica,” Sanchez Art Gallery, Pacifica, CA.

Nov.: “Craftsmen Extraordinare,” Danville Fine Arts Gallery, Danville, CA.

July: ” The Art Of Politics,” International Invitational, San Jose Museum of Quilts and Textiles

May: Oive Hyde Gallery “36th Annual Textile Art Exhibit, International”

April: Intersections II: Fiber/Dimensions Art Exhibition, San Francisco, CA.

2003

Dec.: 16th Annual Open Studios, Schoonmaker Artists, Sausalito, CA.

Nov.: “Far Off the Runway,” V. Breier Gallery, San Francisco, CA.

2002

Dec.: 15th Annual Winter Show, Schoonmaker Artists

Oct.: Women’s Work, juried exhibition, Gallery Ophelia, Los Angeles, CA.

Aug.: Visions and Voices, juried exhibition, Sight and Insight Gallery, Mill Valley,CA

March: Annual St. Patrick’s Day Ball, Westin St. Francis Hotel, San Francisco

2001

Dec: Visceral Works, Ten Fiber Artists, Sight and Insight Gallery, Mill Valley, CA

Spring: College of Marin Annual Juried Show, Honorable Mention

March: Annual St. Patrick’s Day Ball, Westin St. Francis Hotel, San Francisco, CA

2000

Spring: College of Marin Annual Juried Show

1996

Spring: College of Marin Annual Juried Exhibition

Solo Exhibitions

March, 2001: United Irish Cultural Center, San Francisco, CA

March, 2002: United Irish Cultural Center, San Francisco, CA

Spring, 1993: Seventh Heaven Gallery. San Anselmo, CA

Private Commissions

1989: Fahrner

1993: Guest

1993: Dugan

1993: Williams

1996: Hylbak

1997: Holt

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