Doing it her own way

Editor’s note: This is another in a continuing series featuring Yosemite Sierra Artists.

In fine found art, can you find yourself? Kathy Marks has. “When I found ‘art’ in my life I also found a voice I felt confident in sharing,” said Marks. “I work intuitively from an inspiring object, texture or fabric and that grows into a story.”

Marks is a mixed media and collage artist with a penchant for repurposing. Many will know her years working in Oakhurst galleries and for local arts nonprofits.

Today, Marks is finding herself again while the poignant and playful pieces she makes can be found at Raven & Pines Books including journals, cards and wall hangings, Yosemite Sierra Artists Gallery and Oakhurst Art & Wine Hop.

Marks creates one-of-a-kind assemblages and poetry, combining symbolic recycled materials info small wall-mounted pieces, often symbols of encouragement, love, remembrance or endurance.

Her body of work includes “catnaps,” a series of note cards, stationary and T-shirts based on her original line drawings of cats. Her line of fiber art/thread-painted pins, pillows and framed pieces dubbed “peas & carrots,” feature drawings of everyday common things.

Marks’ life revolves around the art world now but it didn’t start out that way.

“When I moved to Oakhurst in 1976, I was a young wife and mother of a nine-month-old son,” she recalled. “I was not an artist. But I was always creative. I learned embroidery from both my mother and grandmother as a young girl and learned to sew in junior high Home Economics. I loved working with my hands.”

Marks received her first formal training in the late 1980s from American impressionist painter and educator Jane Burnham (1926-2016).

“She was straightforward, gave honest critiques and shared her painting secrets. By that, I mean shortcuts, or using everyday items we may already have instead of having to buy extra unnecessary supplies. She encouraged me as she critiqued my work. She seemed to see something that maybe I only caught a glimpse of.”

Marks, meanwhile, was increasingly absorbed in what she could see all around her.

“I was interpreting the negative spaces, the shadows, the amazing color variations one can mix — all of that was so fascinating to me. It was a new language. I next studied with local artist and teacher, the late Bob Beeching. I learned to draw in his class.”

In another life, Marks was a freelance designer for Bath & Body Works, creating product bag prototypes. She did this “never having made my own pattern for anything before!”

“Since each project was a construction challenge, I had to teach myself how to put it together.”

And now …

Currently “kathy marks designs” embodies all of her experience in mixed media and sculpting.

“I started with just a few designs and ideas but presented them in a way that was fun and appealing. One idea led to the next. I went out and talked to shop owners and buyers, finding accounts and discovering how it all works. I just did it.”

Marks worked at Yosemite Gateway Art Center for nearly 15 years until February of this year. She participated in Sierra Art Trails open studio tour for a dozen years and, in two non-participating years, was a juror. She served as a committee member, on the catalog development team, as a board member and a student sponsorship liaison.

“When I started in 2011, there were only two galleries owned by Jon Bock: Williams Gallery West and Stellar Gallery. Williams Gallery was where I showed my artwork. Over time, he acquired Suites 5 and 6. The skills I learned there were invaluable. The friendships I made were meaningful and authentic, built on a love of art and the creative spirit.”

In 2022, Marks was the Sierra Art Trails catalog cover artist.

“This was such an honor being chosen by the committee and board members. So many visitors were especially curious about the figures — where the ideas come from and how I build them.”

Heart of art

This year, Marks said, she felt “a persistent nudge that it was time to move forward.”

“As soon as I let go of the fear, opportunities appeared. I realized there were other options, new faces and friendships and roles within the same community. There was a new rhythm to my days and lightness in my heart. The first art piece I made following ‘the move’ is titled ‘pathway to peace.’”

Throughout her life, Marks embraced the heart of art. She’s been a member of Yosemite Sierra Artists for a decade.

“Art changes lives. Viewing art is an exchange of energy, a connecting of spirits — of the heart. Creating art is healing. It’s an avenue to express emotion through color, texture, text, imagery and objects … from the heart through the hands.”

Marks said, when it comes to the assemblages, she doesn’t draw out her creations beforehand.

“I work intuitively, adding elements as I go. To begin with, something catches my eye and that’s the starting point. I love contrasting textures and colors. I am so attracted to rusty metal combined with a sparking bead or a lavender tulle wraparound skirt with long rusty “legs” peeking out! Creating these figures helps change my state of mind.”

Each piece feels like a feat of engineering.

“They are more complicated to build than one might imagine. I have to build them from the back moving forward as I need to figure out how they will hang first.”

With a little friendly help

She couldn’t do what she does without a little help from her friends, Marks said, giving credit to all the people “who give me their castoffs — jewelry, beads, fabrics, stones, bells and more.”

“Many times, these elements are just the inspiration needed at that moment. Each gift carries a bit of magic that becomes part of the magic of the art piece.”

When she’s not creating whimsical sculptures and other forms of art, Marks has a passion for sending creative envelopes and packages, making tiny bouquets and line dancing — and she’s resumed local pet sitting.

Plus, the artist has “the most precious granddaughter on earth,” named JoJo.

In the meantime, Marks continues to create, with thanks to all who support her.

“I have gratitude beyond belief for all who connect with and purchase my work — many have become collectors over the years. I do hope they continue to find me.”

You can find Kathy Marks at her website, www.kathymarksdesigns.com, via email kathymarks@sti.net, on Facebook as kathy marks designs and on Instagram @zkatrinaart. Visit www.ravenandpines.com and the Yosemite Sierra Artists Gallery, both in Oakhurst.

Yosemite Sierra Artists

Yosemite Sierra Artists (YSA) is a nonprofit arts collective founded in 1971 by a group of artists and art lovers interested in sharing their work, experience and passion for the arts.

YSA is an educational organization which embraces and accepts all artists. Programs include but are not limited to annual shows, a live model portrait group, plein air outings, a photography group and art demos.

Member fees are $40/year for individuals, $20/year for active students and $60/year for families. YSA members receive discounts on group sessions, YSA-sponsored art shows and more.

For more information on Yosemite Sierra Artists visit www.yosemitesierraartists.org and follow along on Facebook at www.facebook.com/yosemitesierraartists and Instagram at www.instagram.com/yosemiteartists.