Mythological Botanical No. 1 and No. 2 by Trudy Kraft

Abstract

Trudy Kraft, a native Texan1Trudy Kraft – Artist: Bio. http://www.trudykraft.com/bio2.htm. Accessed December 15, 2014.Google Scholar born in 1953,2Bloun Artinfo website. http://www.blouinartinfo.com/artists/trudy-kraft-210164. Accessed January 21, 2015.Google Scholar received her BA in art education from Hamilton College in Clinton, New York, in 1976; studied with the Art Student League in New York, New York, from 1976 to 1979; and received her teaching certificate in 1996 from Moore College of Art and Design, in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania.1Trudy Kraft – Artist: Bio. http://www.trudykraft.com/bio2.htm. Accessed December 15, 2014.Google Scholar, 3US Department of State. Art in Embasies. http://art.state.gov/ArtistDetail.aspx?id=151104. Accessed December 15, 2014.Google Scholar The techniques used by Kraft are borrowed from many avenues, modes, and cultures. She specifically uses watercolors, which are applied in individual layers separated by masking layers such as frisket and gouache (a nonopaque water color),4Gouache. Wikkipedia. http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Gouache. Accessed January 21, 2015.Google Scholar and then removes the masking to reveal patterns and designs. She also uses sumi ink to subvert the boundary between representation and abstraction.3US Department of State. Art in Embasies. http://art.state.gov/ArtistDetail.aspx?id=151104. Accessed December 15, 2014.Google Scholar The process is much like that used in creating a Ukrainian egg. Although she has a vision for the painting when she begins,5Perrichelli LM. Technique: Trudy Kraft’s watercolors: art and nature, symbol and pattern. http://www.artistdaily.com/blogs/technique/archive/2008/09/11/trudy-kraft-s-watercolors-art-and-nature-symbol-and-pattern.aspx. Accessed December 15, 2014.Google Scholar this technique allows the aspect of surprise and discovery to enter into the creative process, which is also then revealed to the art connoisseur. She has been inspired by the cultures of Japan, Africa, Tibet, and many more.3US Department of State. Art in Embasies. http://art.state.gov/ArtistDetail.aspx?id=151104. Accessed December 15, 2014.Google Scholar, 5Perrichelli LM. Technique: Trudy Kraft’s watercolors: art and nature, symbol and pattern. http://www.artistdaily.com/blogs/technique/archive/2008/09/11/trudy-kraft-s-watercolors-art-and-nature-symbol-and-pattern.aspx. Accessed December 15, 2014.Google Scholar In Mythological Botanical No. 1 and No. 2, all of the components attributed to Kraft’s inspiration are visible and evident: Attraction to the beauty of nature, influence of pattern and border, simplicity of subject, and contrast of primary colors and muted backgrounds. However, the overarching theme of unity is clear in the pairing of nature and culture.3US Department of State. Art in Embasies. http://art.state.gov/ArtistDetail.aspx?id=151104. Accessed December 15, 2014.Google Scholar, 5Perrichelli LM. Technique: Trudy Kraft’s watercolors: art and nature, symbol and pattern. http://www.artistdaily.com/blogs/technique/archive/2008/09/11/trudy-kraft-s-watercolors-art-and-nature-symbol-and-pattern.aspx. Accessed December 15, 2014.Google Scholar Mythological Botanical No. 1 and No. 2 are located on the Rochester, Minnesota, Mayo Clinic Campus on the 17th floor lobby of the Gonda Building (east wall).