Seen, Felt, Made: Art as Lived Meaning

Artist Statement:
Katie Krueger is an abstract expressionist whose work is a vibrant celebration of color and emotion. With an Associate of Arts and both a Bachelor's and Master's degree in Social Work, Katie's journey has been anything but conventional. Her background in social work, particularly her dedication to helping survivors of domestic violence and human trafficking, deeply informs her artistic practice. Born in Columbus, Ohio, and raised in Lorain County, Katie has always been drawn to the arts. From a young age, she expressed a love for bold color and design, finding solace in the freedom of abstract expression. This passion for art led her to pursue an academic path that bridges both art and social work, culminating in her current role as an educator, researcher, and PhD student.

Katie sits on the school board of North Shore High School in Garfield Heights, a dropout retention school, and teaches a course at Oberlin College called "The Art of Social Work." This writing-intensive seminar merges the therapeutic aspects of artmaking with the core values of social work, providing students with a holistic approach to healing and advocacy. As she enters her third year of her PhD program in Urban Affairs at Cleveland State University, her research focuses on creative placemaking and the transformative impact of art in urban spaces. This transdisciplinary focus is reflected in her paintings, which are not just artistic expressions but also explorations of how art can reshape communities and influence social change.

Katie's artwork is known for its eclectic and bright colors, creating an immersive experience that invites viewers to see the world through a different lens. Each piece is an exploration of emotion, movement, and form, reflecting her belief in the healing power of art. Katie draws inspiration from her surroundings, infusing her work with the energy of both rural and urban life and the stories of the people she encounters. Her art has been showcased in various exhibitions, resonating with audiences for its authenticity and emotional depth. Katie’s paintings are more than just visual experiences—they are conversations, and invitations to feel, reflect, and connect.

Bio:
Color has always held a special fascination for me; its boldness and vibrancy speak to my soul. Nature, with its myriad hues and forms, is a constant source of inspiration, particularly when I'm kayaking, walking in the woods with my Mom, or tending to my garden. These moments of connection with the natural world often spark the genesis of a new painting. My approach to art is intuitive; I rarely plan a piece in advance. Instead, I let the colors guide me, blending them in abstract ways to evoke emotions and movement. This process is liberating, allowing me to explore a different cognitive space where only colors and shapes exist, devoid of concrete forms. My work is a reflection of my life experiences, my appreciation for nature's design, and my need for creative expression. 

As a full-time graduate student, my mind is constantly engaged in analytical thinking. Abstract painting provides me with a release, a way to engage a different part of my brain and experience a sense of freedom. I draw inspiration not only from the beauty around me but also from color theory, which I apply intuitively in my work. This, coupled with my interactions with students and my experiences in the field of social work, infuses my art with depth and meaning. Painting is not just a creative outlet for me; it's a therapeutic journey that helps me find balance amidst the demands and challenges of life. Each painting is a blend of my analytical research world and the spontaneous, vibrant realm of abstract art, reflecting the dynamic and evolving nature of life itself.