Kate Samworth

Why this artist matters now

Catherine Samworth is an artist, author and illustrator whose book Aviary Wonders Inc.: Spring Catalog and Instruction Manual won the Kirkus Prize for Young Readers in 2014 with the judges saying it was "one of the most creative books we have ever encountered." Her illustrations frequently involve the natural world and human interaction with it. Samworth's travels—to Europe, Mexico, Costa Rica, and Brazil—are a source for her artwork. Her book, Aviary Wonders, is a mockup of a catalog in a future world with extinct birds. Readers are invited to peruse "a charming selection of bodies and wings, and assemble a realistic bird automaton." Samworth says she is "trained in observational drawing and painting" and influenced by the darker aspects of Goya, Daumier, and Balthus."

Source: Artsy · Trust score: 85% · Updated 1mo ago