Storytelling is the foundation of my artistic drive. Throughout time and across cultures, mythological narratives have been formed out of our everyday lives. These similarities illuminate human nature, provide comfort, and foster connection. Reinforcing this connection is the core of my work. I want to capture the feeling of hearing a familiar tale once again, but in a new form.
Through the rich history of their imagery and symbolism, animals allow me endless creative freedom. Detached from the intimately recognizable human figure, they are still relatable through their roles in our lore. I use them as vessels for the human condition, emotions, and relationships. The scenes are enhanced by color interaction that’s inspired by emotional content and the landscape around me. Placing these subjects in compositions on the wall elevates them and evokes sacred imagery. Their floating positions reinforce that they belong to a world adjacent to our own, drawing the line between reality and fantasy.
Universally, the human imagination is inspired by simple curiosities. My work is an investigation of these pervasive queries about life and the world around us. Through the oldest medium on earth, storytelling, I hope to inspire the viewer to consider humanity’s progress and its future while honoring its past.
Kendra Harvey was born and raised in Anchorage, Alaska. In 2018, she graduated with a Bachelor of Fine Arts degree focusing on ceramics and painting. Wanting to continue her arts education, she relocated to Colorado. There she participated in a post-bacc program before moving to Montana to intern at the Archie Bray Foundation for the Ceramic Arts.
Currently, she continues her studio practice in her homestate. Her work focuses on animal forms, using them to investigate how lore is created as a reaction to the natural world.