Kate Hodgetts
Melbourne based artist Kate Hodgetts creates oil paintings on poplar panels. Graduating from the photography department at the VCA in 2007, Hodgetts transitioned to painting in 2020 when motherhood forced the dismantling of her home darkroom in favour of its original purpose - a bathroom. Yet, the language of photography has remained a key element in her practice.
Hodgetts’ smooth application of oil paint often produces tonal shifts reminiscent of silver gelatin photographs. Her work is influenced by light, time, and repetition and her palette includes the earthy muted tones of analog experimental photographic methods such as chemigrams and solarisation.
In painting, Hodgetts aims to create something alive with movement, and the native birds visiting her outdoor studio in Hurstbridge will often find her dancing with her materials. Hodgetts’ work has been featured in both solo and group exhibitions across Melbourne and interstate, and is included in numerous private collections.