KATRINE HILDEBRANDT

Using a hand-held burner, Katrine Hildebrandt forms lines and dots onto paper employing a highly unconventional method of mark making by fire.  On first glance, these works appear simple and straightforward, drawing from recognizable signs and symbols inspired by sacred geometry. They are symmetrical, familiar even.  Yet once immersed in the work, the pieces become meditative and progressively engaging. Hildebrandt’s “goal is to awaken consciousness through harmonious and stimulating patterns, often times inviting the viewer in through an entry way and leading them out through awareness of their own physical presence.” The process of creating these ethereal works, ironically, is extremely volatile, requiring concentrated effort of timing each mark as to not compromise the entire composition. The methodical repetition becomes almost ritualistic,  “similar to the way Mandalas in many spiritual traditions are used as a tool for meditation and trance induction.“ The symbols and shapes, often layered and overlapping circles, explore the idea of impermanence, so like remains from fire, we’re left to contemplate what is left behind.