Cleveland-based artist Katy Richards focuses on the materiality of paint and representation, exploring themes of life, death, and desire.

Katy earned a bachelor of fine arts degree from the Cleveland Institute of Art and a master of fine arts from Cranbrook Academy of Art. Her artwork has been exhibited in numerous group shows, and she has had three solo exhibitions at HEDGE Gallery in Cleveland. She also attended the Vermont Studio Center Residency.  

Richards is a recipient of the Individual Excellence Award from the Ohio Arts Council and the Waterloo Arts Trustee Prize in Painting from Waterloo Arts Gallery. She received second place in the realism category of the Paul and Norma Tikkanen Painting Prize from Ashtabula Arts Center.

In the interview, Richards mentions a few artists who have inspired her, including Jenna Gribbon, Ambera Wellman, and Corrie Lynn Tetz. Listen to the complete interview to hear more, and to learn all about Katy's painting process!