Biographical Information:
Katina Desmond creates otherworldly images that transform the real world through her signature technique of oil painting on black and white photography. Seizing the abstract, ethereal qualities photography reveals in the environment, she mutates the mundane into the mysterious by highlighting the archetypal patterns, textures, and forms present around us.
She is continually producing new bodies of work with a progressive range of concept and technique: black and white silver gelatin photographs, hand-painted black and white photography, mixed media, collage, digital art.
Katina grew up in the mountains of rural Topanga Canyon, California, surrounded by natural beauty, which continues to influence her art. "I think that the 'spirits' or images that I see in natural and found objects are directly related to my childhood experience roaming the magical woods and mountains near my home."
Artist Statement:
I search out moments that reflect evocative and elusive character:
transcendent beauty, dreamlike imagery, hidden presence.
My work reveals multi-layered dimensions;
atmospheres that resonate with both recognition and mystery.
For me, creating art is an alchemical transformation,
a process that illuminates symbolic and emotive qualities
that surround us, inform us and connect us on many levels.
Solo Exhibitions:
2010 Origins + Intersections, Brand Library Art Galleries, Glendale
2008 Painting Light, A Studio Gallery, Studio City
2006 Animism, A Studio Gallery, Studio City
2005 Luminous Density, Renée and Daniel Crowe, Sherman Oaks
Group Exhibitions:
2012 Pasadena Society of Artists 87th Annual Exhibition; Creative Arts Center, Burbank, CA. Juror: Meher McArthur
2011 Supersense, Gallery 825, Los Angeles, CA. Juror: Simmy Swinder
2011 GEM 2011, Gallery 825, Los Angeles, CA
2011 Topanga Gallery Open; Topanga Canyon Gallery, Topanga, CA
Juror: Craig Krull
2011 2nd Annual A.C.E. Artist's Choice Exhibition - Pasadena Society of Artists, Citibank Artspace, Silver Lake, Los Angeles. CA
Juror: Claudia Bonn-Spector
2010 The Word: Between the Lines
Pasadena Central Library, Pasadena, CA
2010 Consuming Passions: 4260 Black & White Photographers Guild
Towns Burr Gallery, Burbank, CA 91505
2010 A.C.E. Artist's Choice Exhibition - Pasadena Society of Artists.
Citibank Artspace, Silver Lake, Los Angeles, CA. Juror: Ernie Marjoram
2009 Brand 38: Thirty-Eighth Annual National Juried Exhibition.
Juror: Ruth Weisberg
Brand Library Art Galleries, Glendale, CA
2009 The Art of Giving and Receiving; AIDS Service Center, Pasadena. Juror: Sam Mellon
2009 Pasadena Society of Artists 84th Annual Exhibition; VIVA Gallery, Sherman Oaks
2008 Pasadena Art Walk, Pasadena
2008 Pasadena Society of Artists - Gifted; VIVA Gallery, Sherman Oaks. Juror: Jay Belloli
2008 People, A Studio Gallery, Studio City
2008 Pasadena Society of Artists 83rd Annual Exhibition; Brand Library Art Galleries, Glendale
Juror: Walter Askin
2008 4260 Black & White Photographers Guild 2nd Annual Exhibition; A Studio Gallery, Studio City
2007 27 Photographers, 27 Photos, 1 Night; Mainstream Gallery, Burbank
2007 Lomo-Gate 2008; A Studio Gallery, Studio City
2007 Group Diversity, 4260 Black & White Photographers Guild Debut; A Studio Gallery, Studio City
2005 The Mother Line; Abuelitas, Topanga
2003 Mountain Bohemian; Topanga Historical Society, Topanga
2003 Group Show; Daniel Saxon Gallery, West Hollywood
2002 Sensitive Stories; Daniel Saxon Gallery, West Hollywood
Awards & Honors:
2010 Award of Excellence "Open II"
PSA A.C.E., Citibank Artspace, Silver Lake,
Juror: Ernie Marjoram
2008 Honorable Mention Award "Alone In Central Park" VIVA Gallery, PSA Jury
2008 Honorable Mention Award "To The Point" PSA 83rd Annual Exhibition, Juror Walter Askin
2003 Los Angeles School District - Certificate of Appreciation for Artistry, Dedication and Commitment
1990 UNICEF (United Nations Children's Fund) - Certificate of Appreciation for Outstanding Efforts, Time and Talent
Affiliations:
Member of Pasadena Society of Artists, Marketing Director
Founding Member of 4260 Black & White Photography Guild
Collections
Ms. Desmond's work is included in numerous public, private, national and international collections.
Education:
Ms. Desmond studied Otis Art Institute and University of Southern California.
