Public Works Art Center

Divine Feminine by Kate Ritchie (Opening Reception), Artist Statement : For centuries, women have had to fight for bodily autonomy. Our struggle persists today, but we are united by more than our collective trauma. We are united by a sacred truth: our bodies are strong, beautiful, and divine. We are goddesses. Creating this exhibition has been healing for me. Ever since I was a little girl, society told me to feel ashamed of my body and to hide my power. Making this work has strengthened my relationship with my own body and has helped me see myself as a powerful, divine being. It has also deepened my love and appreciation for the women in my life.  The goddesses in this exhibition are women I personally know and admire. Each goddess represents one of the four elements (earth, air, fire, water), the sun, or the moon. Painting these portraits was such a special way to spend time with each person and to celebrate their sacredness. The flower collage vulvas and uteruses are my reverence of the female anatomy. The sacred yoni and womb are literally portals for human life! Women possess incredible power and every part of our bodies is beautiful.  The process of collaging is very meditative. The methodical nature of cutting and gluing paper allows the mind to wander and reflect while the hands stay busy. Collaging has always been one of my favorite mediums– I grew up creating collage vision boards with my mother as a tool for manifesting my hopes and dreams. As an adult, I use collage in my artwork for similar reasons. This exhibition celebrates the divine feminine energy within all of us, regardless of our gender identities. Our bodies are our own and we are worth worshiping! My hope is that, through the works in “Divine Feminine”, you will see the goddess within yourself and everyone around you. About the artist: Originally from Salisbury, NC, Kate Ritchie grew up on a horse farm lined with a creek and acres of woods. Kate was put in art classes from the time she was 5 years old where she made crafts in the ‘art room’ in the loft of the barn on her family’s property. She has been making art her whole life and enjoys learning and experimenting with new art techniques. While studying Studio Art at College of Charleston from 2010-2014, she decided to not have a focus and instead took art classes in every medium the college offered. She is now finding ways to combine these techniques to make new and unique pieces of artwork. Kate Ritchie received a BA in Studio Art and Arts Management at the College of Charleston in 2014 and still resides in Charleston today. She can be found working in her studio at Redux Contemporary Art Studio most days. www.kateritchiestudio.com