Artist offers ‘Mythical Art’ with vivid colors at February exhibit

By Kirk Boxleitner
Posted 1/22/25

 

 

Although Katy Morse seeks to be inclusive in her art, she also acknowledged that it might not necessarily be for everyone.

“I don’t really have an agenda for …

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Artist offers ‘Mythical Art’ with vivid colors at February exhibit

Posted

 

 

Although Katy Morse seeks to be inclusive in her art, she also acknowledged that it might not necessarily be for everyone.

“I don’t really have an agenda for what I’d like to impart to viewers,” Morse said. “My paintings are a personal process, that have trans-personal elements I hope everyone can relate to, but I know a number of people won’t always get what I’m conveying. These aren’t about pretty pictures of landscapes, so much as they are epic journeys into relationships.”

Morse’s “mythical art” is to be featured at Gallery 9 in downtown Port Townsend for the month of February, sporting “archetypal images” that she paints in vivid colors, “layered with intentions,” to “reveal stories of the psyche” and “capture the imagination.”

Morse identified her teachers as Curate Shiloh Sophia, whom she said guides women around the world in the “Intentional Creativity” process.

“This method is a reclamation and redefining of self through a rigorous practice of painting and writing,” said Morse, who’s since trained upon how to lead others through journeys of self exploration via painting. “It is a mythopoetic experience in which you become the author and creator of your own story.”

Since claiming her own “Legendary Self” in 2015, Morse uses the name “Katryn” to sign her art, as a way to “imbed a sacred piece of myself” into every painting.

“I believe art is an expression of the soul,” Morse said. “By tapping into my true self through creative expression, I reveal the magical essence of spirit flowing through me. I enter into a healing space, and allow old feelings to move forward and out onto the canvas.”

One of Morse’s early paintings, in acrylic on canvas, is called “Katryna of the Salish Sea,” which she described as a portrait of her “Legendary Self,” even though it includes two separate beings.

“One is very small, and trapped inside an elaborate tree, which represents the everyday world in which she lives,” Morse said. “The other is very large, and filled with the spirit of life potential, her greater self as she exists outside the confines of what the small self believes is possible.”

Morse explained that these two aspects of herself connect through longing and acceptance.

“The longing is for something better than where she is, being met by the unconditional love from her higher self,” Morse said.”The key that unlocks this connection is gratitude, which is in the breath between them.”

Morse’s February exhibition at Gallery 9 also includes a new painting, entitled “Medicine Shield of 4 Muses.”

According to Morse, “This multi-dimensional painting began with teachings from the Tree of Life, from which emerged four archetypal images of the feminine.”

In the painting, each of the four muses has a power animal by their side, respectively embodying the elements of earth, water, fire and air, which she intended to represent “a complex and beautiful layering of both spiritual and earthly existence.”

Morse believes that current culture has fostered more learning of “how to be more inclusive, and respectful of diversity.” As such, many of her paintings focus on “the Divine Feminine” as “a way to reclaim her powers which were hidden, lost or stolen over the centuries.”

Morse believes social justice is “important work, to engage in creating a new world paradigm that supports all people with inclusivity.” She has worked toward that with communities of artists and healers, both online and in person.

“These circles are primary to my soul’s growth, and I value those connections,” said Morse, who cited this as a reason she belongs to the North Olympic Artist Cooperative at Gallery 9, “both for the community of artists and for the delightful play of light in the gallery.”

Morse touted Gallery 9’s “eclectic mix” of fine art paintings and photography, wood-turned bowls and furniture, sculpture, jewelry, ceramics, hats, scarves and cards.