Flowstate

"Flowstate" is a mixed media abstract painting by Kathryn Gruber that aims to serve as a visual ode to the joy and liberation found in embracing the creative process.

Incorporating many layers of acrylic paint, pencil, spray paint, and oil pastel, this artwork has several layers, added using brushes, spatulas, and more. It is finished with several layers of gloss UV varnish, and two layers of satin UV varnish. As a result the finish is very textured but smooth to the touch.

With rich texture, this painting was created using a blend of relief, layers of paint, and intricate scratching techniques using scrapers, screwdrivers and other tools, to unveil hidden depths within the artwork.

"Flowstate" aims to visually interpret the essence of being completely absorbed in the present moment, where time dissolves and creativity takes over. It symbolises the state of mind where one is fully immersed in a task or passion, experiencing a seamless connection between action and awareness.

The painting's organic shapes, movement, and expressive strokes convey a sense of freedom and spontaneity, mirroring the unrestricted flow of ideas and inspiration. It invites viewers to embrace their own creative journeys, encouraging them to tap into their inner reservoirs of imagination and unlock their unique artistic expressions.

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A contemporary abstract artist based in South Australia, I experiment with materials and techniques, creating dynamic compositions that capture energy and movement through color and texture.

Starting my process with a general idea or feeling, the painting evolves naturally as I work. The creative practice is a vehicle where I discover and express emotions without inhibition, which results in highly expressive work, often rich with metaphor.

My work is designed to evoke emotion and encourage the viewer to interpret it in their own way. Whether it’s a burst of energy or a sense of calm, I hope my paintings inspire a connection.

Heavily textured, my work has thick layers of paint applied in a way that creates an almost sculptural sense of depth and dimensionality. I use a variety of techniques to achieve these textures, including expressive gestural marks applied using paint, pencil, oil pastels and charcoal, then painting and scratching using various hardware tools to bring texture into the piece and to retain a loose and vibrant energy. Uncovering hidden layers and colours through this approach often brings unexpected surprises. The combination of gestural marks, layers of paint, and scratching gives the work an almost sculptural, tactile texture, depth, and history that is very appealing.

Born in Canada to American parents, I currently live, and was mostly raised in South Australia, with a couple of formative years spent with family in Hawaii. A quiet child, I sought solace in creative endeavours, and used my visual language to process the world around me. I still do. As a child, I spent hours drawing and reading, and some time studying at the Honolulu Academy of Art during my time there.

As a young adult back in South Australia, I attended the Hyde Park School of Art & Design, the Adelaide Central School of Art, and studied multimedia and media production at UniSA.

After a varied work history, which includes over 20 years in various aspects of Digital Communications, and raising a son with my partner, I have returned to my first love – Art – and couldn’t be happier.

Please feel free to reach out if you have any questions.