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Katie Hovencamp received her BFA from Arizona State University in 2009 and her MFA from the Pennsylvania State University in 2014. Hovencamp has exhibited her work in numerous exhibitions within the United States, Europe, and Asia. Her work has been reviewed in Sculpture Magazine, Chicago Reader, and several online and print publications. She was the recipient of the Outstanding Student Achievement Award for Contemporary Sculpture in 2014 and the University Graduate Fellowship at the Pennsylvania State University in 2012. Hovencamp has participated in residency programs at Vermont Studio Center, Serde Interdisciplinary artist group in Latvia, and the Tyrone Guthrie Centre in Ireland. In 2016, she was awarded an artist residency with International Sculpture Center at Mana Contemporary in Jersey City, NJ. She has taught at various institutions such as the Edna Vihel Center for the Arts, Totts Gap Art Institute, Pennsylvania State University, Harrisburg Area Community College, Keystone College, Cedar Crest College, Northampton Community College, and Moravian University.
Published on March 3rd, 2024. Artist responses collected in months previous.
What are you working on these days?
I've been working on a series of objects that have the word "nope" render an object non functional. I am doing this to create a humorous relationship between the viewer and the object by denying the viewer the standard function of that object. I am also working on a series of drawings and a performance that will destroy a family meal. I am doing this to question the performative act of cooking and presenting a meal to a group of people who may or may not appreciate the labor it takes to make something for everyone to consume.
What has been going well for you in your art career and life recently?
I've been teaching a lot this year. I was fortunate enough to work at two colleges, Northampton Community College and Moravian University. Working with the students has been very rewarding. I always enjoy seeing what they come up with as far as their projects are concerning. Even if I do a project for a few semesters in a row, the students always seem to surprise me. They also motivate me in my personal studio practice.
What is something new that you have discovered this past year that is meaningful or helpful for you?
Taking a step back and allowing myself to take it easy. I had a very difficult year health wise which made me step back and focus on getting better so I could eventually get back into the studio and make more work. I also have to listen to my body and be aware of when I need to take breaks and take it easy on myself. Making my health a priority was a major life change and I see this eventually influencing how I make art.
Briefly walk us through your process of making art or thinking through a new project, focusing on what's most important to you as you create.
I think about how my overall body of work is questioning how things that are identified to be feminine or associated with women. So many times I'll keep up with what is going on with the world to see what issues need to be address or talked about. Equality and equity for all is something that needs to be address in so many different ways. I use my art work as a critique to generate a conversation.
Is there anything else that you would like to share with our readers?
I think it is ok to have slow and fast paced times in your studio process. I have had to learn to slow down a lot lately due to my health. Slowly, things are getting better for me, I just have to take things as they come and try not to be upset when I cannot physically do something if I am not feeling well. Support systems are so important. I am fortunate there are a lot of good friends, family, coworkers and students in my life!
What are you working on these days?
I've been working on a series of objects that have the word "nope" render an object non functional. I am doing this to create a humorous relationship between the viewer and the object by denying the viewer the standard function of that object. I am also working on a series of drawings and a performance that will destroy a family meal. I am doing this to question the performative act of cooking and presenting a meal to a group of people who may or may not appreciate the labor it takes to make something for everyone to consume.
What has been going well for you in your art career and life recently?
I've been teaching a lot this year. I was fortunate enough to work at two colleges, Northampton Community College and Moravian University. Working with the students has been very rewarding. I always enjoy seeing what they come up with as far as their projects are concerning. Even if I do a project for a few semesters in a row, the students always seem to surprise me. They also motivate me in my personal studio practice.
What is something new that you have discovered this past year that is meaningful or helpful for you?
Taking a step back and allowing myself to take it easy. I had a very difficult year health wise which made me step back and focus on getting better so I could eventually get back into the studio and make more work. I also have to listen to my body and be aware of when I need to take breaks and take it easy on myself. Making my health a priority was a major life change and I see this eventually influencing how I make art.
Briefly walk us through your process of making art or thinking through a new project, focusing on what's most important to you as you create.
I think about how my overall body of work is questioning how things that are identified to be feminine or associated with women. So many times I'll keep up with what is going on with the world to see what issues need to be address or talked about. Equality and equity for all is something that needs to be address in so many different ways. I use my art work as a critique to generate a conversation.
Is there anything else that you would like to share with our readers?
I think it is ok to have slow and fast paced times in your studio process. I have had to learn to slow down a lot lately due to my health. Slowly, things are getting better for me, I just have to take things as they come and try not to be upset when I cannot physically do something if I am not feeling well. Support systems are so important. I am fortunate there are a lot of good friends, family, coworkers and students in my life!
Find Katie Hovencamp on Instagram
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