Works by Katrina Slavik

Artist Statement

My work depicts simple, beautiful interactions that NYC residents have with nature and their local community. Painting, drawing, collage, and sewing techniques are used to show people BBQing, planting gardens, and living alongside urban wildlife. The work combines cityscapes and nature. It celebrates public parks, backyard gardens, and hardy plants growing in sidewalk cracks or up metal fences. Common animals like opossums, cats, and birds are stitched into the fabric of the urban neighborhood. Inspired by my local community in Queens, the work documents a diverse neighborhood with a communal culture of generosity and sharing.

Many pieces are made with upcycled fabric. I sew and paint on old dyed bedsheets, clothing donated by friends, and other repurposed materials. Sculptures are made with repurposed clothing, fabric, and acrylic paint. Works on paper are made with collage, paint, ink, and embroidery. Unlikely materials are brought together to portray the complexity of living in a city where land, communities, individuals, and wildlife coexist in the same space.