With a sharp eye for colour and a quirky sense of humour, East Vancouver-based artist Kat’s vibrant, expressionist portraits have quickly earned a loyal following. Applying elements of graffiti, pop art and animation as inspiration, Kat McPhee uses a broad palette that includes oil pastels, acrylics and spray paint to add density and texture to her pieces.
Kat has been drawing since she was old enough to pick up a pencil. Over the years, growing interest in her pieces has allowed her to take her passion to the next level. She creates privately commissioned work almost daily at Vancouver’s Arts Factory Society.
Her most recent collections, which you can find showcased around Vancouver, include a series of pop surrealist animal portraits, portraits of pop culture icons and skatedeck art. All of her works boast unique elements inspired by street art and surrealism to create truly one-of-a-kind pieces.
-Written by Niki Maretta, dear friend
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Which hood are you in?
I work out of the Arts Factory which is just off of Main Street on Industrial Avenue and kind of situated between/on the cusp of Chinatown, Mount Pleasant and the end of False Creek!
What do you do?
I am a full-time expressionist portrait artist using oil pastels, acrylics and spray paint on wood. I have showcases around Vancouver and the Lower Mainland as well as create commissioned pieces out of my studio (mainly pet portraits 🙂). I also have an online shop where I sell my work as prints, magnets and other products all under my business Kat McPhee Gallery.
I also have an online clothing company called Mister, We Are the Weirdos where I distress, tie-dye and rework band t-shirts as well as branded tees and also have some vintage pieces.
I’ve started working with Thrive Youth as well where I go into classrooms of students mainly in East Vancouver and teach them a workshop on creating animal portraits with oil pastels.
What are you currently working on?
I am currently working on pieces for my next group show JUXTAPOSE which will take place at Landmark Gallery in White Rock, BC. Opening Nights will be Sept.12th &13th (come on down!!!). My plan is to juxtapose my different styles of work including pop culture icons and satirical animal portraits in a way that’s cohesive through bold colour choices and expressions.
Where can we find your work?
All over Vancouver! I have permanent showcases for you to check out hanging at East Van Brewing on Venables, The Score on Davie and at the Red Accordion on Alberni. If you want to peruse my work from the comfort of your own home, you can find me on Instagram or you can check out my website if you’re not on the socials.
