Artist Katherine Flynn channels her creativity into photography, using repurposed materials to tell stories and support her community.
Katherine Flynn, an artist whose career spans acting, writing, and filmmaking, has recently channeled her creative energies into photography. This transformation was sparked by the arrival of her first daughter, which led her to discover a passion for capturing stories through the lens of her Fujifilm X100 Series camera. Now based in the desert community of Joshua Tree, Flynn, alongside her daughters, has repurposed a junkyard into an innovative art laboratory, where they create unique pieces from discarded materials.
Flynn unveiled her latest collection at the Parks Project Discovery Center in Culver City, showcasing a novel approach that merges her photography with vintage elements, including Volkswagen doors and mirrors. This creative technique reveals themes of transition and nostalgia within her artwork, while also emphasizing the potential of overlooked materials.
Reflecting on her inspirations and background, Flynn explains that her upbringing in Los Angeles greatly influences her artistic work. “Growing up in Los Angeles has given me an intimate understanding of its rhythm—the way the city moves, its hidden pockets, and its contradictions,” she said. She expresses a keen interest in capturing the often-unnoticed moments and spaces that exist beyond the well-trodden tourist paths.
The inception of the art lab in Landers stemmed from Flynn’s desire for a space that felt limitless and connected to nature. “The idea to turn our junkyard into an art space came naturally,” she mentioned, inspired by visionary artists like Noah Purifoy who found beauty in discarded materials. One of her proudest collaborative creations with her daughters is a spaceship sculpture made entirely from salvaged items, which initially started as a set piece for a short film but has evolved into a cherished landmark of their creative journey.
Flynn’s technique of using repurposed objects as frames for her photographs is central to her storytelling approach. She describes how these materials add layers of history and transformation to her work, stating, “These objects once held their own stories—countless moments and histories—before being abandoned and reshaped by natural elements.” This interplay between the past and present in her art aims to resonate with viewers, encouraging them to reflect on themes of passage, memory, and change.
Throughout her artistic career, Flynn has emphasized the importance of vulnerability in her photography, which she captures as a reflection of her own experiences. She recognizes that the moments she chooses to photograph often mirror her emotional landscape, contributing to an authentic and relatable narrative.
The shift towards more sustainable practices in art has also informed Flynn’s recent projects. She has transitioned away from traditional framing, seeking to minimize waste and foster a deeper connection to the materials she uses. “Now, these discarded materials don’t just display my photographs but have become central to their meaning and the overall artistic vision,” Flynn explained. Her approach highlights the need to appreciate the beauty in what exists rather than constantly seeking new.
Flynn’s photography has also contributed significantly to projects like the “Holy Terrain” video for FKA Twigs, where she captured moments that complemented the artistry of the music video’s narrative. “Hopefully, my contribution in capturing these authentic moments complemented the video’s narrative and aesthetic,” she said of the experience.
Lastly, Flynn hopes that her work invites individual interpretation, allowing viewers to connect on a personal level. She aims to evoke emotions ranging from nostalgia to longing and to inspire a newfound appreciation for everyday life and neglected objects. “If my work can inspire someone to look at a forgotten object or a transient moment with fresh eyes, to find joy in memory and transformation, then that’s what I hope,” she stated.
In light of recent fires affecting families in her community, Flynn is offering complimentary family photo sessions that include a one-hour photoshoot and editing services, showcasing her commitment to connecting with others through her art.
Source: Noah Wire Services
