Katelyn Metz

 My recent work features photorealistic elements that focus on a particular composition created by a fragment of light. My camera constructed these compositions, where most of my paintings started. I capture scenes with high contrast in values and chromatic stages. I use these values to my advantage where I can exaggerate color and emphasize painterly elements, separating it from being a simple representation of what a photograph can do. 

The inspiration from my recent work stems from my own personal struggles with anxiety, self-

love, and my constant wanderlust. I feel like I am longing for a home that only exists in my 

mind. I often think that I have so much in my head and always feel tied down to one place and like I live separate lives. Although I paint fragments of my face, being able to paint myself has been a healing experience for me. It's created a personal journey that can be seen in my work that I will look back on fondly forever. In a way, the shadows and deep contrast show how much I try to hide. The power I have found from applying material onto the surface of canvases creates confidence I thought I would never experience. I discover myself in my work.