Artist Bio
Katherine Frensley was born and raised in Nashville, TN. She graduated from Temple University’s Tyler School of Art & Architecture, Philadelphia, PA, with a Bachelor of Fine Art in Fibers and Material Studies and a minor in Art History. These past few years, Frensley has worked alongside Polly Apfelbaum as an assisting artist for Tyler School of Art’s Alumna Diploma Project, assisted Patrick Dougherty with his Stickwork Installation, Hopscotch, has interned for the Frist Art Museum as a Curatorial Intern with their Exhibitions Department, and worked with Colorado-based botanical dye artist Maki Teshima. Frensley has organized natural dye workshops, collaborated with established artists, and is currently focused on the upkeep of her dye garden and creating work to exhibit in future exhibitions. Her work has most recently been exhibited in the Positive/Negative 39 National Juried Art Exhibition in Johnson City, TN, the Customs House Museum & Cultural Center in Clarksville, TN, ClearStory Arts in Chattanooga, TN, and at UT Martin Fine Arts Gallery, Martin, TN.

Artist Statement
I incorporate weaving, tufting, quilting, painting, photography, and printmaking techniques as physical representations of my research and experimentation with nature. Many of my pieces take on familiar and unfamiliar organic forms, imagery, and patterns vulnerable to their newly introduced environment. At the same time, I also focus on acknowledging the use and sourcing of recycled and natural materials as ethically as possible. By reusing, recycling, growing, and harvesting what I can for my pieces, I am aware of the ever-growing commercial and chemical waste, directing some of that attention to my ability to make art from biodegradable, compostable, non-toxic, and natural matter. This is my subtle attempt to preserve the planet further, connect with these processes’ history, and create fascinating pieces while reflecting on the beauty I find in nature and the joy I experience in their creation. When presenting these pieces, I strive for the audience to appreciate the colors, textures, patterns, and materials inspired by nature and question their beauty and relevance.