We’re excited to introduce you to the always interesting and insightful Dorothy Krause. We hope you’ll enjoy our conversation with Dorothy below.
Dorothy, looking forward to hearing all of your stories today. We’d love to hear about a project that you’ve worked on that’s meant a lot to you.
For many years I have successfully shown my large-scale mixed media work in galleries and museums but I also make artist books which enable me to address meaningful issues. In 2009 I used 100 of my books as examples and wrote Book + Art: Handcrafting Artists’ Books, which was published by North Light.
Eventually the 100 books were acquired by Cristina Favretto and Jay Sylvestre, who are primarily responsible for artist books and related works in the Special Collections of the University of Miami Libraries. We have continued to be mutually supportive and this past year, I gave Special Collections 25 pieces from the series, “Cuba: history rewritten”.
It’s important to support the institutions that maintain permanent collections for teaching and research. And it’s reassuring to know that the work they collect will be preserved and shared.
Awesome – so before we get into the rest of our questions, can you briefly introduce yourself to our readers.
Learning, making art and teaching are my focus. An early adopter of the computer, I taught digital imaging at Massachusetts College of Art and worked with computer, printer and media manufacturers to adapt their products for artists. To share what I learned, I co-authored Digital Art Studio: Techniques for combining inkjet printing with traditional art materials, (Watson-Guptil, 2004).
Working in collaborative situations is especially rewarding. I have been an artist in residence or visiting artist at the Smithsonian American Art Museum, American Academy in Rome, University of the Arts in Philadelphia, Harvard’s Countway Library, Jaffe Center for Book Arts at FAU and since 2012 on Oceania Cruise Lines. I’m always open to new adventures.
How can we best help foster a strong, supportive environment for artists and creatives?
Libraries, community centers and arts organizations are the most accessible of institutions, with opportunities for learning and teaching, both in person and online. They host workshops, exhibitions and events and often have roles for volunteers. They are great places to get involved, network and expand your horizons.
For example, the University of Miami Library is planning a program for an artist-in-residence, an “Alchemical Archivist”, who would interact with some component of their collection. Support for efforts of this kind benefits the donor, the artist, the institution and the community and provides a lasting legacy. If possible, we should all give generously.
Is there mission driving your creative journey?
I want my work to make a difference. I’ve focused on climate change, women’s rights, territorial conflict, religious freedom, gun laws, endangered species, health, immigration and politics. I hope that my work engages and involves the viewer in these challenging issues.
Contact Info:
- Website: www.DotKrause.com
- Facebook: www.facebook.com/dotkrause
- Linkedin: www.linkedin.com/in/dot-krause-5298743/
Image Credits
Portrait Michael Sullivan