Kathryn McDonnell, a native of Memphis, Tennessee, began her painting career in Nashville, Tennessee after her graduation from Vanderbilt University in 1984, with a double major in Art History, and Russian Language . She received the Margaret Stonewall Hamblet Award for merit in studio art, which provided her the opportunity to travel to the USSR and Europe. In her mid 20’s and early 30’s she lived in California, Argentina, and the Bahamas. She has traveled extensively in South America, Mexico, the former Soviet Union, and Europe. After settling down in Washington, DC she earned her Master of Fine Arts in 1998, from the Maryland Institute College of Art. Ms. McDonnell has been exhibited in Washington, DC and abroad.

Traveling and encounters with other cultures has had a strong impact on her work. She considers it a sensitive look at the world around her. In her own words; "I try not to take for granted my life as an American. I respect the gifts of liberty and abundance. Often it raises touchy questions about my role in the world. For me, being an artist is a nonviolent and creative way to challenge the destruction and abuse of our earth and its people by large corporations for the sake of expanding markets and profits. The force of globalization and limited media diversity shapes individuals into becoming slaves of consumerism. It is nearly impossible for individuals to maintain dignity and freedom of informed choice in a world driven solely by material concerns. I want people to rejoice when they experience nature and the beauty of its gifts. Looking at my paintings is a respite from being sucked into the prefab world created by sophisticated marketing techniques. They are a reminder to seek more in life than material gratification."

 

Achievements

Studio

Manifesto