Artist Katie Knutson believes that art is an important form of communication that transcends words.
With her colorful acrylic paintings of urban scenes at night and her studies of motion, she strives to connect with the viewer on a deep level.
An exhibition of her paintings, "Sojourn," will go on view Friday at 1800 Main. An opening reception will be held from 5 to 9 p.m.
Knutson says she has been creating since she was a child but professionally since 1996. She has studied locally with Ed Kellogg at Covenant College and with Michael Holsomback at Chattanooga State Community College. The works of Henri Matisse, Edward Hopper and Richard Diebenkorn inspire her. Through her formal education and studying the images of these artists, she has found her own voice -- one that describes her work as "painterly," "colorful," "high contrast," "engaging" and "universal."
Knutson works from life, as well as from photographs. She explains her philosophy of art in this way:
"Whether it is transporting someone visually or audibly or through language carefully constructed, we're all looking for a new way to communicate. It's soul-searching, an expression of faith, a purging, whatever might be necessary to be creatively healthy."
"Sojourn" will remain on display through April 12.
1800 Main, at 1800 E. Main St., is open 11 a.m.-5 p.m. Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday, Saturday and 11 a.m.-8 p.m. Friday. For information, call 718-2543.
Email Ann Nichols at annsnichols@aol.com.