Artist Statement:

     I am Katherine Lenehan, and I am just like you.  Although I like to express myself artistically by using color and symbolism within my art, I spend each day working toward happier times.  This endeavor alone is a never-ending journey for all of us, but we often rush so quickly towards that ultimate goal that we forget to slow down and appreciate what we already have along the way.  This is a very important lesson to always hold onto, especially during tough times, but so many of us lose sight of this wisdom in times of doubt.

     Within my art, I like to highlight the importance of acknowledging the stressors of life, but I believe it is equally important to recognize current positives within out lives and surroundings, no matter how small.  One without the other leads down either a path of sadness or denial.  By bringing the two together within my art, I feel this creates an opportunity to become humbled and grounded during times of uncertainty.

     Watching a colorful songbird or a small, graceful fish reminds me that if such a fragile creature can thrive with so little, especially with no possessions of their own, everything in the grand scheme of things will be okay.  If they can flourish and live freely without worry, so can we.  It reminds me that we all have a lot to be thankful for as humans, and with that in mind, we are more than capable of moving towards a brighter future by taking it day by day.

     On the other hand, we must also acknowledge the negatives of life, which is the first step toward figuring out how to change it.  This part alone can be the hardest step.  Nothing is ever perfect, of course, but life’s general goal is to work towards happiness.  Hard times are unavoidable, but how we work through them can determine much of out future.  The other side of my artwork aims to connect with people who may be amidst troubling times but are not acknowledging them properly or openly.  My hope for all my viewers is that my artwork will start them on the path toward bettering their future while also sending them a gentle message: it will be okay in the end.