These are unprecedented times and artists are finding strength in community and creativity. In this account, we hear from Katharina Rooney. She has been an art teacher at Keene State College since 1997, teaching Ceramics, Drawing, and Design Foundations. She studied art and design at the Mozarteum in Salzburg and ceramics at the Academy for Applied Arts in Vienna, completing graduate studies at the University of Illinois. Her ceramics, sculptures, and installations have been shown nationally and internationally and are in private collections and galleries. We first met her a few years ago, when she was selected for a Ewing Arts Award!
We’re proud to share this story of Katharina Rooney, in her own words.
Tell me about your most recent project
I enjoy public art projects and encouraging people to dive in and fearlessly explore new processes to create art. But also collaborating with other minds widens perspectives and therefore makes each experience richer and fuller.
When I got an email from a musician this past year asking if I was interested in making paintings and drawings for an Album cover, I was curious to hear more about it. The songs describe the 12 steps of recovery and the vision for this project is to cheer on people in recovery from addictions.
We wanted the visuals to be fun and accessible and to speak to a wide range of people.
We chose outer space, women, men, and children to illustrate the title of the album: "Twelve small steps for us, one giant leap of faith." In space, these people create a happy and peaceful community that is welcoming to all in a loving universe. My creative partner, musician TJ Murphy, is working on getting the project out to the community through various streaming platforms. There will be live shows coming after vaccines. You can visit TJ’s website to learn more and see some more of the art. You can listen to the album on Spotify.
How are things different now than before?
Being isolated from working together in a classroom or studio setting has made it very challenging for me, also since I have a difficult time with zoom.
I decided to be easy on myself regarding following my personal mission as an artist these days and I scaled down my big vision projects. I have also been finding lots of peace and comfort in nature where I love to take photos and wander daily.
The last six months have been hugely different from the years past:
I took an unpaid leave from teaching art classes at KSC because of covid and the high-risk status of a family member. I spend more time supporting and connecting with family and friends helping each other through this difficult time. I so miss attending concerts, plays, and art shows in person as there is no substitute for that divine experience. The true value of live art experiences in our community has been shown to me by the absence of it.
What is your dream or wish for how the arts community emerges from this?
The pandemic has decimated artists' livelihoods across the nation and also the small towns of New England - like right here.
My dream for the arts in our region is to get support and love from the people in power, businesses, and citizens so that artists can get back on their feet and our community will be vibrant again.
I can hardly wait to buy tickets to events in the area and welcome people into my studio again when that is possible.
I also plan on having a backyard potluck with artists in the area - visual artists often work in isolation, but this has been extreme. It’s going to be time to reconnect with each other.
Because being together is easier than being alone.
Learn more about Katharina on her website: katrooney.com
art by Katharina Rooney