Anahata
ANAHATA KATKIN
I don't know why cutting things apart to reassemble them has made the world right side up for me- but at times it has literally done just that. My artwork is often born out of necessity and continues to emerge through a series of impulses, triumphs and challenges. My artwork is gritty and often unripe. And I like it this way. I like that what I want to do feels just out of reach. That there isn't a pressure to preform and yet there is great satisfaction in the making of things...and the sharing of things. I like to play with a images and forms as a kind of symbolic alphabet. A language that can speak for me in ways I never could. I believe my artwork is versatile in it's meaning and I try and do that intentionally. I want people to overlay their own experiences and personal story to the meanings within the images, particularily with my illustrations. I guess that's my own little irony. I try very hard to create artwork for myself and nothing more. And when I succeed in getting out of my own way- I share it with the rest of the world. That's my formula.
BIO:
Anahata Katkin has developed her passion for the arts by trial-and-error discovery. Her work is a synergy between graphic design, painting and hand made, mixed media pieces. Anahata has woven a heart centered landscape of off-beat icons and illustrations that has comprised the prolific offering's of her co-founded arts company, PAPAYA! inc.since it's beginning in 2003. Her undeniable style is easily recognized. Heavily influenced by antique ephemera, Asian traditions and an emerging global culture.
Anahata has been sharing her relaxed, hands on approach to artwork , design, workshops, inspirations and the pursuit of creative nectar through a celebrated & personal online journal, www.anahata.typepad.com.
Anahata is also Artistic Director of PAPAYA! inc. and is a regular contributor to the PAPAYA- LIVING BLOG www.papayablog.com
PAPAYA INC:
In 2003 my mother (Gina Katkin) and I launched a card line from 20 designs derived from my original journal pages. With my mom's super woman business savvy and her ability to dream big enough for the both of us, and my obsession with mixed media a and emerging design skills, off we went.
Our goal was to produce lively, inspirational images that would touch people on instinctive levels and enhance the gift industry. We decided to be bold, unpredictable and impulsive about how we grew and formed our business and it's contents.
We started- and still offer a unique visual perspective. With illustrations that challenge the current trends and offer an alternative to what is generally a predictable gift industry. We love to offer art, play and beauty in heaping spoonfuls of color & character.
PAPAYA! now boasts distribution in more than a dozen countries and thousands of dynamic retailers in the United States. We have been lucky enough to continue to pursue creative projects and ideas in our own ways and in our own timing.
AT HOME:
On a personal level I have been able to enjoy the freedom to make art both for myself and for others. I continue to revel in new experience, places and artwork. I give thanks everyday for the many blessings that have mysteriously come to fruit in my life. (How cool is this!!!)
Ashland, Oregon is home base in the states for now. But a gypsy at heart, staying put is hard for me to do. My sweet son, Rowan and I are staying busy in the studio with movies, paint, monster books and our cat named Bonzo...