S. KAY YOUNG

What are you currently working on?

Photographing trees, details of trees. However, a great deal more time is spent on very small 4 x 6 inch archival ink drawings of trees. The images reflect many walks in the woods and from the trees I have met in my dream-time.

Has the format of your practice been impacted in the last few weeks? Are you using different mediums or sizes?

Yes, The drawings started in December. It was impossible to capture photos but I had the need to create so I went back to my roots and started to draw. Working very small (4in x 6 in linen and watercolor archival sample pads) allows me to render saturation and detail with lines resembling bark patterns. It brings me great joy to watch them unfold, some taking upwards of 30 hours. Also, I’m working on an installation of crocheted sculptures using copper wire. They are female in shape with wrapped, found stones and shells. When in recovery, the healing properties from copper, both mental and physical, led me to wrapping the stones and wearing them. They needed to hang in a large conductor environment, hence the shapes of life.

Does the social distancing aspect of this period help you focus or has it changed the trajectory of your work?

It’s been my norm for months, although I miss getting and giving hugs from those I love. The trajectory of the work took the form of frenzied or frantic energy in the ink to paper, as well as irregular stitches in the crocheted forms. Being empathic, I work very hard not to feel all of the fear and sadness in the world now. The trees help me stay grounded and lend peace as well as calm energy for me and the work that flows through them/me…

Are there any apps or online tools that you find helpful in this time? (They don't need to be related to art making).

Not yet

How are you remaining connected to friends and family?

Phones call, occasional FaceTime, exchanging images of what we're working on.

What do you do to separate your practice from the rest of the day? Have you set boundaries or is it permeable?

It’s permeable, but I leave 3-5 hours daily for art related work.

What have you been using for inspiration from home (tv shows, movies, cooking, reading)?

TCM movies for distraction, daily music for a personal dance party, Gwen Frostic books for inspiration and strength, all of the beauty awakening in my garden. My love of cooking has helped me stay grounded as well.

Do you have any recommendations for books movies or other media?

Read or re-read the books on your shelves, movies/videos that make you smile.

Walk us through a piece that you are working on right now (please send a pic as well).

The drawings start as a graphite rendering and grow roots from there. The copper sculptures take shape as the stitches flow, never with a pattern, as I can’t follow them due to my dyslexia. The works are always a work in progress until they leave my home