WILD & SOFT COLLECTION
Botanical cyanotypes that rewire what beauty can hold. Each piece—pressed wildflowers, sunlight, chemistry—becomes a conversation between hand and nature. Katharine uses this alchemy as artistic exercise to rest, recharge, and reconnect to a softer side of her art and, ultimately, herself.
For the Crone Collector who wants a more intimate experience with the artwork, browse the Collector’s Catalog. Flip through it here. —>
Katharine T. Jacobs – Sculptor & Multidisciplinary Artist
Katharine T. Jacobs is a sculptor and multidisciplinary artist based in rural California. Her work examines the emotional and physical impacts of addiction, illness, and the complexities of care. Grounded in personal experience, her practice explores what it means to live in ongoing relationship with grief and chronic illness.
She received a BFA in photography before expanding into sculpture and fiber-based media during her MFA, developing a more tactile and process-oriented approach. Her work engages with themes of disability, femininity, and play, often through contemporary applications to traditional Fine Art and Craft practices.
ARTIST STATEMENT
As an interdisciplinary artist, my work blends historical techniques with contemporary craft, exploring themes of nature, labor, and identity. To me the history and the reputation of cyanotype is undeniably feminine. In my studies of alternative process photography I was never drawn to cyanotype due to its simplicity and the limitations of its color.
When my life drastically changed within a year following the birth of my daughter, my Multiple Sclerosis diagnosis and the realization and escape of my abusive marriage; I reevaluated every aspect of my life, including materials. The pulls of motherhood demanded my attention, and the darkroom was neglected. I looked for a craft that I could do with a baby on my hip.
My MS diagnosis suggested a correlation with a lack of vitamin D which led me to seek more time in the sun in my last days in Oregon, then to fully immerse myself outdoors after returning to my native state of California. While healing from heartbreak, I was desperate to keep my hands busy and found myself surrounded by wildflowers.
For all of these reasons I turned to cyanotype. Every spring and summer since I have returned to this part of my practice where I am able to unapologetically embrace the beauty of nature. In contrast to my conceptual work, this practice is not led by the complexity of trauma but by the simplicity of unapologetic beauty. Each summer I make a series of botanical cyanotypes that allow me to soften my practice, and allow a tenderness to seep in that I am able to carry into my other work and life.
WATCH KATHARINE MAKE APPLE, A CYANOTYPE INSPIRED BY BLUE BEE CIDER
BIG THANKS TO OUR VENUE PARTNER BLUE BEE CIDER!
BLUE BEE CIDER
4811 Bethlehem Rd Ste A
Richmond, VA 23230
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Feverfew, scattered wide across an indigo ground like she opened a window mid-arrangement and let the wind sort it. Feverfew's an old apothecary flower, used for centuries to settle headaches and fevers, and there's something fitting about it dissolving into cyanotype blue like a remedy diffusing into water.
2026
Cyanotype on watercolor paper
18 x 24 in
24 ½ x 28 ½ in (framed)
Framed by Fralin Art & Frame
Payment plans available. Email Sylvia to inquire about this piece.
Pieces sold during Wild & Soft ship after the show closes September 30, with delivery in 1–2 weeks.
Currently on display at BLUE BEE CIDER (4811 Bethlehem Rd Ste A, Richmond, VA 23230), our Venue Partner for Katharine’s solo show Wild & Soft, on view August 1–September 30, 2026.