C. Kathleen Summers
From the wilds of rural Indiana come dragons, unicorns, pegasus and fauns; bag ladies and homeless old men and hungry eyed children. Raccoons with hair dryers, cows in rain slickers, and pigs in picture hats all spring from the hands and heart of Kathleen Summers. Kathy shares a house in Shelby County with her beloved, Marty, her artist daughter and her beloved, her grandson and a multitude of cats. She enjoys living close enough to the city to take advantage of its art, theatre and shopping, especially the art supply stores, so she can stock up on polymer clay and paint.
Kathy has loved sculpting ever since her Play-Doh days. She got away from it somewhat during her teens and 20's but rediscovered its joys while working in a porcelain doll shop/teaching studio in Indianapolis. When her mobility became restricted and she was diagnosed with a debilitating neuromuscular disease she sold her kiln and became a polyclay junkie. Now, small fantasy creatures, most no taller than three inches, fashioned from polymer clay help to satisfy her creative urges. Besides fantasy creations Kathy uses clay to addresses various social issues she feels strongly about and often donates artwork to charitable auctions and fundraisers.
Although restricted to a wheelchair for outings away from home she enjoys showing her One-Of-A-Kind figurative sculptures at regional science fiction/fantasy convention art shows and local art exhibitions. She periodically offers her work for sale through e-Bay, as well as through private sales and commissions. She has a loyal following not only in the US but also internationally. Kathy has won numerous awards, including a First Place Blue Ribbon at the Indiana State Fair, the first and only time she participated. She also received The President's Award as well as Best of Show in mixed media from the Knauf Christmas Art Competition several years running. She has led well-attended workshops educating and familiarizing people with polymer clay and basic critter construction.
Kathy is always studying to improve her art, from learning new techniques to increasing her knowledge of anatomy. She has no formal art training but is a graduate of Lockyear Business College and attended Indiana State University. Her constantly under construction web site can be found at www.welcometomywhimsy.com.
Artist Statement
The philosophy I live by is: Make your corner of the world a little better. If we all did this, the overlap would be tremendous and the world would be a bit less cruel. I want to bring joy to people. I want them, even if only for a moment or two, to forget their woes and sorrows. I want to bring them smiles and laughter. I do that by offering a lighter look at our world and ourselves. There are situations and conditions that need a more sober view: homelessness, hunger, intolerance, physical violence and abuse. I address these issues in a kind, thoughtful, often provocative manner.
In these cases my goal is to raise our awareness beyond ourselves and our own immediate needs. I want us to look farther and reach further to offer help and healing to those who need it, in whatever way we are able. I haven't the physical stamina or ability to do as much as I'd like, but I can take a lump of clay and fashion it with love and care into something that will perhaps ease someone's pain, bring a smile to their face and light up their eyes. I can craft a little sculpture that can transport someone to another world, another time, if just for a moment. I can tell a story.
In offering this part of me to you I also help myself. This is my therapy. This is how I escape the ho-hum and stress of everyday living. I relish the feeling I get when I create something. It helps me feel accomplished and valuable.
Money is nice. Recognition is good. Passing on the love I feel through a little synthetic clump of clay and daub of paint is better. -Kathy
barcyd@yahoo.com
www.welcometomywhimsy.com
7236 N London Rd Fairland, IN 46126
