Plaza (detail), Katherine Alexander
Hatchless Flight
Katherine Alexander
April 4 - May 24, 2025
Opening Reception April 4, 5-8pm
Katherine Alexander’s hands are guided by generations of tradition, each line a whispered story passed down through time. She is a pysanky artist, and her canvas is the humble egg. More than just a beautiful object, the pysanka is a powerful symbol, a miniature universe of meaning and intention. Like the patient birds awaiting spring's arrival to lay their eggs, her work embodies optimism and renewal.
Katherine’s process begins with a simple, fragile egg, a blank slate awaiting transformation. Using a kistka, a funnel tool that applies beeswax, she meticulously writes delicate lines of wax, creating intricate patterns that speak to themes of nature and symmetry. Each symbol carries a specific meaning, a language understood across cultures and time. The dyeing process adds color to the design one layer at a time. In the end, the wax is melted away and the complexity of the finished piece is revealed.
Katherine is fascinated by the interplay of history and innovation. While honoring traditional motifs and techniques, she also strives to bring her own unique perspective to this ancient art form. She explores new color palettes and contemporary interpretations of traditional symbols while maintaining the historic integrity and spirit of the pysanka. Katherine hopes that each piece not only delights the eye, but also inspires a connection to the Slavic heritage embedded within each delicate line.
About the Artist
Katherine Alexander is a modern artist in the ancient art of pysanky. Born in upstate New York, Katherine learned this folk art in the traditional way, from her mother while sharing a candle and awaiting spring. Her academic background includes a Bachelor's from Kansas State University and a Master of Arts, graduating Cum Laude, from Webster University.
Professionally, Katherine’s artwork has been exhibited from Florida to California in galleries and exhibitions. She is a “Pysanky USA Master Artist” and has had her work displayed in the “Pysanky Museum” of Kolomyia Ukraine. She shares her passion for pysanky with a dedicated online community, producing a popular "Pysanka of the Week" video series for over half a million followers across her social media platforms.
Katherine is committed to elevating this craft to fine art status and is one of only a few pysanky artists pursuing juried art fairs and gallery exhibitions. Her awards include Best of Show at Art St. Louis, Blick Outstanding Artist at Laumeier Art Fair, and Second Place at Columbia Art in the Park. She continues to explore the artistic possibilities of this medium, pushing boundaries while honoring the rich cultural heritage of pysanky.
Events & exhibitions at the Foundry Art Centre are free and open to the public. For more information, please email Jessica Mannisi, Director of Exhibitions, at jmannisi@foundryartcentre.org