From one coast to another, the natural world has always been an influential counterpart to my creativity.

Humanity is altering Earth’s climate at a rate that threatens our very existence, but this issue has yet to become a universal priority. The logic behind climate change is twisted & misplaced for any number of reasons, & its validity is continually questioned. We’re in desperate need of a neutral mediator to help us undo this separation – to begin rebuilding the now impassable divide between science & politics.

While far more abstract than reducing your carbon footprint, mindset is an essential component of climate action. My art is a testament to the natural beauty that imbues our days with joy & fulfillment, shaping the way we experience the world as a whole. Each colorful scene is suspended in time to allow for prolonged observation: we have to slow down to grasp its full significance. We have to internalize the value of our environment before we will choose to live in a way that protects it.

I’m fascinated by the resilience of the natural world & the way it demonstrates an understanding that nothing exists in isolation. In building up countless layers of paint on every canvas, I’m echoing the complex set of inputs behind our lived experiences. Each piece is an invitation to connect with your environment in a comfortable, optimistic setting, where the vibrant quietude asks you to think twice about how we consume our surroundings.

This art is meant to unify & mediate, drawing on individual & universal history to deepen our emotional connection to nature. From the food on our tables to the air we breathe, humanity is not - & cannot be - separate from the environment. We are a direct reflection of the climate we inhabit, & any future you imagine is dependent on our learning to live within the balance of this irreplaceable ecosystem.

Katharine Shuman

Artworks by Katharine Shuman

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Northern Shoreline by Katharine Shuman

Oil painting