Childhood memories inspire new show

A new show opens at Rock Island tonight that is inspired by the beauty and imperfection of nature. 

Katherine Summerville’s show opens at Rock Island. We caught up with her to talk about her upcoming exhibition.

What is the theme of your show?

I really like patterns and design. 

I love how nature repeats itself but is imperfect at the same time.

What has inspired the work in the show?

The Poinciana thing comes from my family home. 

My grandparents bought our house in the mid-70s and ‘Gramps’ saved a seriously ill Poinciana tree. This tree was where we played as children, had family parties under and now my children play on... 

How long have you been an artist and how did you get into it?

I’ve always loved painting and drawing, I’ve been doing it my whole life. However, it wasn’t until after my daughter was born that I started to take it more seriously. 

I’ve been lucky (so far anyway) that I have been able to stay at home with my two kids — Alice, 6 and Harry who is 3. 

But at the same time I felt that it was important for me to play a (small) part in the grown up world.

What will you have in the show?

Over the past two years I have been designing and hand-printing cards (postcards, Christmas cards, greeting cards, personalized cards etc. 

So far it has not been a huge business but I’ve been very touched at how well my cards have been embraced by the local community. 

Having a show is really a big deal for me and this support has really given me a boost. 

As someone who never formally trained, it is quite intimidating putting yourself out there. 

I don’t have a title for my show. 

Really, it is just an open invitation to anyone who is interested to come, have a look and enjoy the party. 

The opening for the show is tonight at Rock Island from 7pm until 9pm.