Kate Herron Artist Statement

Reflecting upon my childhood, growing up in a traditional white American-style suburban family I felt controlled by the socially acceptable norms that were established within my family and the community.

Traditionally in my family, all children are gifted a handmade afghan blanket from their grandmothers at birth. Mine consisted of alternating rows of light pink, white, and soft yellow. My brother’s also had the same alternating pattern, however, consisting of a different color palate. From birth, the feeling of needing to conform to tradition, social norms, and associations with gender has caused friction for self-realization.

I reflect upon the ideas of color, light, and the human condition. I question, how much influence should older generations have upon newer generations. In the studio, I work with primary colors that have been historically gender defined, or gender-neutral to invoke a contemplation of color associations with developmental toys. These colors have become the primary essence and basis for how we encounter marketing in our day-to-day lives. It is our experiences and nostalgia that feeds these strategies being exploited by modern day cooperate entities.