Kathie Odom graduated from The University of Tennessee in Art Education/Fine Arts and received early recognition in 1982 for pastel works in the Knoxville Dogwood Arts Festival. Following that brief attention, Kathie began a 26 year absence away from the flow of creative expression on canvas. Her energies were spent (with gratitude) in the world of caretaking. Caring for the young (her children), the wild (her husband), and the dying (her parents). Years of living that deserve 1000 canvases to express... a long period of giving and preparation that has formed her for this new season.
Now four years in, it`s clear to see how her painting reflects her life. Kathie leaves the anatomy of her work exposed. Light diffuses translucently from the first wash to the thicker oils, showing different textures, bringing life to her landscapes. Subtle detailing coupled with loose brush strokes invite the viewer beneath into an aliveness not so apparent on the surface.
Almost exclusively Kathie`s compositions are places where the possibility of life exists.