In the Studio with Artist Caitlin Gill

Today, we’re going In the Studio with artist Caitlin Gill. Caitlin's artwork is currently on display in the Chesapeake Arts Center’s Her Ideas, Her Stories: Women Artists Gallery exhibit.

Upon initial inspection, Caitlin’s work can catch you off guard; Chicken feet, cicadas, grubs, decaying birds. But you can’t stop looking. The subject matter and the manner in which she captures them is graceful. She utilizes a soft color palette and delicate materials to create a juxtaposition with the sometimes jarring nature of the subject. Her work represents the struggle between balancing the ideas of femininity in culture and in nature. 

Here’s Caitlin talking about her art, process and experience... 

How would you describe your style of work?

I would describe my style of work as pure mixed media. I really enjoy exploring what different materials and textures offer to the composition. In terms of subject matter and/or style, I use distortion to exaggerate my subjects and tow the line between realism and surrealism.

Tell me about your favorite medium.

I am a painter. If forced to choose, I would choose watercolor. I find it to be forgiving while also unpredictable, which creates a fun dynamic in my work.

What characteristic(s) about your personality shows through your art?

I think my vulnerability show through in my work and hopefully my sense of humor. 

Where are you from and how does that affect your work?

I don’t know if where I’m from geographically affects my work so much as where I am in my journey in life does. I am working through a lot of personal struggles in my work and am also unpacking social issues such as gender expression, feminism, and misogyny. 

How have your life experiences influenced your aesthetic style?

I think without a doubt my life experiences have influenced my aesthetic. My work is about the discomfort I feel in my own skin. The subjects I choose are meant to reflect this . 

What's your biggest barrier to being a female artist? How do you address it?

I think being a female artist is just inherently challenging. My work is very identity driven which ultimately creates a limited audience and potential market. I think access to resources both financially and in terms of space or skills is also a major hurtle. 

Do you think there’s a double standard in the industry?

Yes, I think that we exist in a patriarchy and the art world is not exempt from that.

Do your works comment on contemporary social or political issues; if so, how?

My work comments on gender expression and feminism. I also touch on systemic sexism and other social issues. My work speaks to the inherent bias of gender expression. We reduce everything to binaries so that in order to have a “whole” human experience – you would need two halves (male + female) to make one – in other words one person can’t be whole because they can’t bring both feminine and masculine qualities to the table.  The patriarchy hurts everyone, but all I can do as a female is speak from my experience and unpack how the construct of femininity has informed who I am. 

What are your biggest motivations?  

I am someone who must paint. If I’m not painting, then I’m generally not at peace.

How do you market yourself and your work?

I don’t really market myself. I’m trying to stay away from commodifying my work. I think it’s more important to just create than it is to sell. 

When you are working through problems in your work, who do you talk to?

Myself. I sometimes ask friends, family or partners for input, but I don’t always. 

What are you working on at the moment? 

A collage of chicken heads that are meant to reflect on narcissism.

Is there a specific environment or material that's integral to your work?

Painting and wood are my most commonly used media. 

What did you have to develop, try or learn to create your artwork?

I am always learning. I had to learn sculpture and 3-D modeling post-graduation. I also learned how to build my own frames and am attempting to teach myself ceramics. I am always looking for new opportunities to expand on my skills and further my work. 

How do you prepare to start a new piece? (do you have a ritual, do research, sketch it out, talk it out…)

I usually think through it in my mind, source reference photos, prep the background and then draw the foreground (in that order). 

Who would be your dream artist to collaborate with?

I’m obsessed with Carolyn Watson. Like fan girl obsessed. 

What’s the best thing about being an artist?

Having an outlet and the community. Most of my closest friends are creatives.

For more information on Caitlin and her artwork, check her out on instagram, or on her website.

Hal Gomer Gallery Hours: 

Monday-Thursday 10:00am-6:00pm

Saturday 10am-1pm ( starting on January 15, 2022)

*Visitors are required to call ahead to reserve a time to view the exhibit. Please call CAC’s main office at 410-636-6597 during our business hours Monday - Thursday, 10:00 am-6:00pm to reserve a date and time. Visitors will be checked in upon arrival and masks are required to enter the gallery and CAC building.