Today we’d like to introduce you to Katie Truk.
Hi Katie , so excited to have you with us today. What can you tell us about your story?
In 1986, I received an acrylic tube filled with neon-colored knee highs as a birthday gift. Captivated by the enchanting colors and materials, I preserved them as a piece of art displayed in my bedroom.
During my undergraduate years at Alfred University I began experimenting with pantyhose as a creative medium. I fused the translucent qualities of pantyhose with the vibrant luminescence of neon. Early attempts saw acrylic tubes succumb to the tension created by the pantyhose. I explored various materials such as clay and glass, yet none seemed suitable for my expanding collection of pantyhose.
In 1999, I had a breakthrough with the discovery of old beach fencing, which inspired the first pantyhose and wire sculptures. While I briefly incorporated additional materials and experimented with wire gauges, it was the synergy between pantyhose and reinforced concrete wire that yielded my signature style.
In 2001, following the events of 9/11, I transitioned to a career in teaching. Whether in classrooms, art centers, colleges, or private homes, I have had the privilege to engage learners ranging from eighteen months to adults, encompassing diverse abilities and talents. My educational role continually challenges me to revisit art history and materials, fostering exploration, discussion, and experimentation while inspiring techniques and ideas for personal studio practice.
My artwork is characterized by its ever-evolving size, colors, and textures in both wire and pantyhose, each piece serving as a narrative rich in distinctive traits and personalities that defy monotony. My work is frequently exhibited across the tri-state area, showcasing my ongoing creative journey. My studio is located at Grounds for Sculpture.
I’m sure it wasn’t obstacle-free, but would you say the journey has been fairly smooth so far?
Pursuing a career in the art field is incredibly rewarding, because you get to follow your passion. Yet it is a constant hustle. Working as a freelance art instructor on top of creating and exhibiting artwork has peaks and valleys monetarily. You have to have a fluidity of thinking to shift with opportunities and pitfalls. There is nothing guaranteed, so it makes it difficult to have long term plans. Everything can change on a dime. The daily grind can get very exhausting.
Appreciate you sharing that. What else should we know about what you do?
I make artwork out of pantyhose. Can’t believe I have being creating sculptures with this medium for over twenty years! It is challenging to reinvent how I use this material year after year, but it hasn’t lost my interest and I love working with it. It was my hope to use pantyhose in a way that hasn’t been seen before, as well as make a truly three dimensional sculpture. After all these years I think I have achieved those goals.
Where we are in life is often partly because of others. Who/what else deserves credit for how your story turned out?
It takes a village for any person to be successful.
Since the time I was four and drawing n the walls, my mother has always believed in my artist talent. My whole family have supported my journey, and smiled with every handmade gift.
Fred Tschida was pivotal at Alfred University as my mentor. If it weren’t for him I don’t think I would even be an artist. He made me trust my inner voice and supported all my wacky ideas, especially when I brought pantyhose into the neon studio. I can still hear him say “have mercy”.
While I was Betty McGeehan’s assistant, a mixed media sculptor in Chatham, her neighbor, the Paterak Brothers, were the ones that gave me the beach fencing and told me to make my pantyhose artwork bigger. Those Commerce Street folks gave the materials and space that put me on this pantyhose journey.
Lisette Bedoya helped me everyday with an installation that was literally over my head. Her family adopted me and have gotten me through so many pickles. I hope everyone has a friend like that.
I am grateful for every person who has come out an opening to say hello, donated pantyhose, or bought a peace. It keeps me going. I could go on and on with all of the love and support that friends and family have given me over the years, but like on all those award ceremonies the music is playing me off the stage. They know who they are.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.katietruk.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/ktruk/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/katietrukart/
