ENDANGERED: Art4Apes is delighted to announce that Katherine Polack is our March 2024 Virtual Artist in Residence

Congratulations to Katherine Polack for becoming our March 2024 Virtual Artist in Residence. The Virtual Artist in Residence Program is awarded monthly to the artist (or photographer) who has submitted four or more entries to the ENDANGERED Fine Art & Photography Contest and has been selected by the Curatorial Committee as best interpreting the aims of the Contest.

Artist Statement

Dive into the serene world of ocean art with me. I'm a Canadian-Peruvian artist nestled along a Southern Ontario beach in Canada. I find endless inspiration in the beauty and purity of marine life—a world that has captivated me since my childhood along the Pacific Coast in Lima, Peru.

My art is a visual journey, a story beyond the canvas to help us rediscover and reconnect with ourselves. Combining the tranquility of the ocean and its vibrant colours, I aim to create a moment of stillness- a pause in time - where you can find uninterrupted peace in your day.

My creations invite you to release, reflect, and find joy in the simplicity of a moment. For me, art becomes more than a piece on the wall—it's a subtle dialogue between nature, art, and the serenity we all seek.

Personal Message

My deep connection to the ocean is a love that was cultivated during my childhood in Peru and reignited during my travels to Australia in 2017. The sea has always had a mystical allure combining the serenity and beauty of marine life which quickly became the focus of my work.

My art is a celebration of the beauty of life underwater, its symbiotic interconnectedness to our planet, and a reminder of our responsibility to understand and protect it.

Turtles, in particular, captivated my attention for their peaceful and wise presence and quickly became symbolic ambassadors in my art.

While visual storytelling is my way of spreading the message of ocean and wildlife conservation, every piece sold supports ocean conservation through monthly donations toward 1 of 4 ocean conservation trusts; Canadian Sea Turtle Network, Canadian Whale Institute, Oceana Canada, and Coral Vita.

News

I’m excited about a couple of future initiatives that I’m working on. The first involves crafting workshops that integrate therapeutic arts, mindfulness, and nature—an homage to the elements that helped me in my PTSD recovery. With a vision of eventually organizing retreats by the ocean, I aim to share the calming experience with others.

The second project is a long-term dream —a center for immersive arts. I envision creating immersive exhibits, blending art, music, and mindfulness. The goal is to provide a welcoming space where individuals can escape into the beauty of art and nature.

Why did I enter this Contest? 

I entered the ENDANGERED Fine Art & Photography Contest because art in all of its forms is the most powerful way to share a message, stir the soul, and leave you wishing for more.

I want the world to experience the transformative effects that art can create. Working collaboratively with like-minded individuals and organizations is the best way to reach people from all over the world to share the important message of our responsibility to understand and protect nature. The same nature that is at the core of my artistic inspiration and that of many others.

I have found that art that focuses on highlighting endangered species and conservation is the most beautiful way to begin a conversation.

Art creates emotion which leads to self reflection and dialogue. This way, the more we expose ourselves to art, the more reflective and interconnected we become leading to mutual desires to protect and preserve Mother Nature.

 

Katherine Polack © 2024 Katherine Polack. All Rights Reserved.

Katherine Polack © 2024 Katherine Polack. All Rights Reserved.

See more of Katherine’s work by clicking on the links below:

Website: https://katherinepolack.com

Instagram: @katherinepolack

ENDANGERED: Fine Art & Photography Contest 2023 Submissions

Ancestral Swim © 2024 Katherine Polack. All Rights Reserved.

 
 

First Light © 2024 Katherine Polack. All Rights Reserved.

Colours of Life © 2024 Katherine Polack. All Rights Reserved.

 
 

Recover © 2024 Katherine Polack. All Rights Reserved.

See more of Katherine’s work below:

 

The Virtual Artist in Residence Program is awarded monthly to the artist and photographer who have submitted four or more entries to the ENDANGERED Fine Art & Photography Contest and have been selected by the Curatorial Committee as best interpreting the aims of the Contest.

Questions? Lindsey@Art4Apes.com