Vancouver Artist Katherine Duclos Transforms Personal Experiences Through Art

Katherine Duclos, an artist based in Vancouver, British Columbia, has a diverse creative journey that began with a move to New York from Shanghai, China. Initially considering a career in art education, Duclos eventually embraced art as a means of self-expression. Her exploration of themes like neurodivergence and parenthood reflects a personal evolution, particularly after discovering her own autistic and ADHD identity later in life.

Duclos’ creative process is deeply intertwined with her daily life, as she seamlessly integrates art materials into her home environment. Balancing her role as a full-time mother to two children with disabilities, Duclos finds inspiration in the challenges and wonders of parenting, delving into the underlying motivations that drive societal expectations.

Her artistic practice revolves around seeking transformation, whether in the materials she uses or the messages she conveys. Duclos finds joy in the intuitive moments of creative insight, where new possibilities emerge. Her work reflects a blend of personal experiences and universal themes, inviting viewers to engage with layers of meaning and connection.

One of the key elements in Duclos’ artistry is her use of recycled bubble wrap, a material that holds sentimental value from her childhood. Drawing on her memories of tactile experiences and sensory stimulation, Duclos incorporates bubble wrap into her work, acknowledging its comforting familiarity and sensory appeal.

In addition to bubble wrap, Duclos incorporates diverse materials like window screens, LEGO bricks, and cement into her sculptures and installations. Each material carries symbolic significance, representing aspects of memory, childhood nostalgia, and the weight of everyday life experiences. Through her art, Duclos navigates personal narratives while inviting viewers to reflect on their own journeys and connections to the world around them.

Her creations, such as “The Fairies will find us if we leave a trail” and “Squirrels have squirrels,” reveal a blend of whimsy, introspection, and a deep-rooted connection to her family and surroundings. Duclos’ innovative use of materials and themes underscores her commitment to artistic exploration and storytelling, offering a glimpse into her multidimensional creative process.

As Duclos continues to evolve as an artist, her work serves as a testament to the power of self-discovery and authenticity in creative expression. Through her unique perspectives and artistic vision, she invites audiences to engage with art as a transformative and deeply personal experience, resonating with themes of identity, memory, and the interconnectedness of human experiences.