I Know That Sound
30×30 oil painting on canvas, unframed
This painting comes from the moment I knew that Helene was not a normal storm. I live below Roan Mountain, and I could see the wind shifting north, to east, south to west, and then I heard that sound. I’m from Alabama. We don’t have tornado sirens in WNC, but the sirens were going off in my head. Like a freight train.
This oil painting by Katie Elkins features a swirling vortex dominating the center of the canvas, which appears to sweep through a landscape dotted with houses and lush greenery. The vibrant yet moody palette includes deep blues, purples, greens, and pinks, creating a dynamic sense of movement. The brushwork is expressive and layered, emphasizing the storm’s chaotic energy as it interacts with the surrounding environment. The piece conveys a sense of drama and natural force, aligning with Elkins’ thematic exploration of personal and ecological narratives.
These works are original and one of a kind.
They are part of a body of work produced in the aftermath of Hurricane Helene, in Spruce Pine. They are the product of witnessing and experiencing first hand the power and destruction, as well as inherent strength of individuals, communities, and environments afftected by a natural disaster.
The range of styles is due to a number of factors. The artist has not used oil paintings as a medium in over 20 years, emotions in the aftermath of the storm have been extreme and unexpectedly various from day to day, and the change of memories over time, reflections, dreams and conversations both internal and external has mutated the forms the visual expressions take at various sittings.
30×30 oil painting on canvas, unframed
This painting comes from the moment I knew that Helene was not a normal storm. I live below Roan Mountain, and I could see the wind shifting north, to east, south to west, and then I heard that sound. I’m from Alabama. We don’t have tornado sirens in WNC, but the sirens were going off in my head. Like a freight train.
This oil painting by Katie Elkins features a swirling vortex dominating the center of the canvas, which appears to sweep through a landscape dotted with houses and lush greenery. The vibrant yet moody palette includes deep blues, purples, greens, and pinks, creating a dynamic sense of movement. The brushwork is expressive and layered, emphasizing the storm’s chaotic energy as it interacts with the surrounding environment. The piece conveys a sense of drama and natural force, aligning with Elkins’ thematic exploration of personal and ecological narratives.
These works are original and one of a kind.
They are part of a body of work produced in the aftermath of Hurricane Helene, in Spruce Pine. They are the product of witnessing and experiencing first hand the power and destruction, as well as inherent strength of individuals, communities, and environments afftected by a natural disaster.
The range of styles is due to a number of factors. The artist has not used oil paintings as a medium in over 20 years, emotions in the aftermath of the storm have been extreme and unexpectedly various from day to day, and the change of memories over time, reflections, dreams and conversations both internal and external has mutated the forms the visual expressions take at various sittings.
30×30 oil painting on canvas, unframed
This painting comes from the moment I knew that Helene was not a normal storm. I live below Roan Mountain, and I could see the wind shifting north, to east, south to west, and then I heard that sound. I’m from Alabama. We don’t have tornado sirens in WNC, but the sirens were going off in my head. Like a freight train.
This oil painting by Katie Elkins features a swirling vortex dominating the center of the canvas, which appears to sweep through a landscape dotted with houses and lush greenery. The vibrant yet moody palette includes deep blues, purples, greens, and pinks, creating a dynamic sense of movement. The brushwork is expressive and layered, emphasizing the storm’s chaotic energy as it interacts with the surrounding environment. The piece conveys a sense of drama and natural force, aligning with Elkins’ thematic exploration of personal and ecological narratives.
These works are original and one of a kind.
They are part of a body of work produced in the aftermath of Hurricane Helene, in Spruce Pine. They are the product of witnessing and experiencing first hand the power and destruction, as well as inherent strength of individuals, communities, and environments afftected by a natural disaster.
The range of styles is due to a number of factors. The artist has not used oil paintings as a medium in over 20 years, emotions in the aftermath of the storm have been extreme and unexpectedly various from day to day, and the change of memories over time, reflections, dreams and conversations both internal and external has mutated the forms the visual expressions take at various sittings.