Inside the Studio: Caitlin Gill
Caitlin Gill is a dynamic mixed-media artist whose work delves into themes of identity, femininity, and domesticity. With a background in painting and curatorial practice, Caitlin pushes the boundaries of traditional art forms by blending painting, fiber art, and sculpture. In this exclusive interview, she offers insights into her creative process, her journey into mixed-media art, and her thoughts on how gender and identity influence her work. Let’s dive into Caitlin’s fascinating artistic world.
Read on to learn more in an exclusive interview with Caitlin Gill :
1. Can you tell us about your journey into mixed-media art and how your educational background has influenced your work?
I have always felt limited by one media. While I identify as a painter, most of my artworks incorporate anywhere from two to seven different media. I blame it on being a Sagittarius. I get bored easily, have commitment issues, and love adventure. Painting isn’t dynamic enough for me. I earned my BFA in painting from Towson University and my MFA in Curatorial Practice & Art Criticism from the Ontario College of Art and Design. In many ways, my master's degree shaped my relationship with my work more than my undergraduate degree. The visibility of different approaches and media other artists were using inspired me. I got a lot of healthy inspiration through FOMO from the works I was interested in critically or curatorially.
2. Your artwork often explores themes of identity, femininity, and domesticity. How do these themes manifest in your creations?
My work is informed by identity, femininity, and domesticity both conceptually and materially. I’m inspired by gender roles and gender identity—specifically in relation to my queerness, the male gaze, and femininity as a construct. I think of my work as anthropological or sociological, diving into human behavior using parody and anthropomorphism as a jumping-off point. My work is imbued with psychological meaning, and my subjects are mostly self-portraits or caricatures I use to tell a narrative. For example, the Cock Fighting series explores homoeroticism in hyper-masculine spaces (like Western football), the Traumatized series critiques the commodification and consumption of the female body and the role we all play in the patriarchy, and the Roadkill series examines how kindness can become a feedback loop of abuse.
Additionally, by using traditional craft materials and skills such as sewing, felting, crocheting, ceramics, scrapbook paper, doilies, and stamps, I also explore the divergence between craft and fine art and the implicit misogyny within that distinction.
3. How do you decide which medium to use for a particular piece, given your diverse skill set in printmaking, sculpting, drawing, painting, collage, and fiber art?
This is a great question. I can confidently say—I never know how things are going to turn out. For example, I’m currently working on a piece that started as a watercolor and is now a fiber relief painting on a wood panel. I typically don’t sketch or pre-plan the work—it evolves in real-time, often diverging from my original intention.
4. Can you walk us through your creative process? How do you start a new project, and what are the key stages?
Typically, I start with a reference photo (or photos) which I find through deep dives into the web. Then, I create an original drawing using pen and ink on a transparency. Once that’s complete, I decide on the background (watercolor paper, panel, etc.) and project the drawing to scale. I’ll do an underpainting with coffee, followed by a second layer with watercolor. I then layer acrylic and colored pencils and finish with collaging handmade paper, pressed flowers, beads, clay, fabric, lace, or any other material I choose.
5. You've curated and exhibited in numerous shows. How does your experience as a curator influence your approach to your artwork?
Curating has helped me navigate the presentation and layout of my work, and it has given me insight into shipping, sales, promotion, and writing/speaking about art. I’ve been exposed to a lot of art through my profession, which has inspired me to experiment with new media and approaches to art making. This exposure has heavily influenced my practice, as I’m continuously inspired by other creatives and their processes.
6. What challenges do you face as a mixed-media artist, and how do you overcome them?
The biggest challenge is not fitting into a specific box, which can lead to difficulties in obtaining accolades, awards, funding, and visibility. While I intentionally blur the line between craft and fine art, it’s a risk because these materials can push me into a space more associated with commercial art. To overcome these challenges, I pursue spaces and opportunities that resonate with my work and ideologies.
7. How do you see your work evolving in the future? Are there any new themes or mediums you're excited to explore?
I see myself moving into more 3D art forms. I’m currently excited about exploring sculpture while continuing to create 2D work. New materials and dimensions are an area I’m eager to experiment with.
8. What advice would you give to emerging artists who are just starting their careers?
Apply to opportunities with intention and purpose—curate your submissions to align with your trajectory and aspirations. Be picky with your time; it’s your most valuable resource. It’s also okay to take breaks, get lost, and feel overwhelmed. Rejection is normal. Don’t let some ambiguous third party rob you of your peace or artistic vision. Stay authentic, and the rest will find you.
Caitlin Gill’s work boldly challenges societal norms and pushes the boundaries between craft and fine art. Her multifaceted approach to art invites viewers to explore deeper themes of identity, gender, and human behavior. As Caitlin continues to evolve, we eagerly await her future experiments with sculpture and new materials. Keep an eye out for more of her inspiring work!
You can learn more about Caitlin Gill and her work via these links:
Website: https://caitegill.wixsite.com/mysite
Instagram: @cicaidy.lynn
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