All About Me, Let Me Introduce Myself!
I am Kathleen McGiveron and Let me Introduce Myself!
Welcome to my website! My name is Kathleen McGiveron, and I’m an Artist based in British Columbia, Canada. I’m thrilled to share my work with you and give you a glimpse into my creative process. Whether you’re a fellow artist, an art enthusiast, or someone who stumbled upon my page by chance, I hope you’ll find something that resonates with you here. In this space, I’ll be sharing my latest projects, my artistic philosophy, and my journey as an artist. So sit back, grab a cup of coffee, and let’s explore the world of art together.
Artist Statement
I am an artist who is interested in the juxtapositions of creepy and cute, and real and surreal. I seek to create a dialogue or interaction between characters. Often, my artworks are influenced by kitsch, ceramic figurines, are inspired by nature, and play with satire. I like to play with juxtapositions, embellishment, sentimentality, and humor which can range from cheerful to sarcastic. In each of the series I create, I explore rebellious, bizarre characters that I have developed, and explore topics which are influenced by my passions, interests, or movements in contemporary culture which I feel I need to reflect.
Biography
Kathleen McGiveron’s rebellious and strange, lowbrow artwork uses the style of the kitsch, ceramic figurine to present her reflections on popular culture, politics, and internal musings. McGiveron graduated from Emily Carr University of Art and Design (ECUAD) in 2011 and completed her teaching degree at Simon Fraser University in 2012. McGiveron has been showing her work both in commercial and public galleries in Vancouver and the Fraser Valley since graduating from ECUAD.
McGiveron’s work has been exhibited in contemporary and lowbrow galleries in Vancouver and the Fraser Valley. Some exhibitions include: “4 Artists who don’t know you either” (2012) at the SMASH Gallery of Modern Art, “Robots and Monsters” (2014 & 2015) at the Ayden Gallery, “Boobies and Wieners” (2015 & 2017) at the Hot Art Wet City Gallery, “MIXa-PEDIA (Play With It)”, Gallery of BC Ceramics, “Creatures from Dust”, Queen Elizabeth Theatre – Emily Carr University Alumni Gallery, “Sculptures & Soundscapes”, at  The Fall Tattooing and Art Gallery,  “Best of BC”, at the Gallery of BC Ceramics, the 2018 “From Oven and Kiln” fundraising auction by the North-West Ceramic Foundation, and most recently, “Of The Standard Of Taste” at The Reach Gallery and Museum in Abbotsford BC which was a duo show featuring the works of both Kathleen McGiveron and Andrea Hooge which explored both artist’s love for childhood sentimentality, unnerving aesthetic, kitsch, and lowbrow.
3 Interesting Facts About Ceramic Art
- Ceramic art has been around for thousands of years, with some of the earliest examples dating back to ancient civilizations like the Chinese, Greeks, and Egyptians. These early pieces were often used for practical purposes like cooking or storage, but over time, ceramic art has evolved into a form of fine art.
- There are several different techniques used in ceramic art, including handbuilding, wheel-throwing, and slipcasting. Each technique requires a different set of skills and tools, and can result in very different types of pieces. Handbuilding involves shaping clay by hand, while wheel-throwing involves using a pottery wheel to spin the clay into shape. Slipcasting involves pouring liquid clay into molds to create identical pieces.
- One of the unique properties of ceramics is that they can be both functional and decorative. Ceramic artists create everything from vases and bowls to sculptures and wall hangings. Because ceramics are durable and long-lasting, they can be passed down from generation to generation, becoming treasured family heirlooms.
Conclusion
Thank you for taking the time to learn more about ceramic art! Whether you’re a seasoned collector or simply curious about this fascinating medium, I hope these three facts have given you a deeper appreciation for the art form. Ceramic art has a rich history and a bright future, with new artists pushing the boundaries of what’s possible with clay and glaze. If you’re interested in seeing more of my own ceramic creations, please feel free to browse my gallery or reach out to me directly. Thank you again for visiting, and I hope to see you again soon!