About the Artist
Catie Lewis is a self-taught artist and muralist based in Austin, TX. She began practicing art professionally in 2019 and has stretched her capabilities across many styles and mediums since then. She pulls inspiration from her world travels and Filipino heritage and has exhibited work through Big Medium’s Austin Studio Tour and participated in artist residencies with Texas-based non-profits BossBabesATX and Deeds Not Words. In 2021, Catie founded WallsTalkCo., a mural company that provides custom murals for businesses as well as accessible tools and resources for young creatives. She’s worked with Austin businesses like EleMINT Skin and Shag Salon as well as large corporations such as Google and Lexus.
Artist Statement
My works celebrate the exploration of identity through reconnecting with your ancestral lineage and culture. Using oils on canvas, this series showcases young Filipina women honoring the same natural surroundings and pride for their heritage as their maternal bloodline. By featuring traditional clothing, native animals and fauna, and natural landmarks, each portrait is enveloped in the different aspects of the Philippines. A country comprised of 1,700 different islands that have known centuries of warfare and colonization, there is not one definitive way to describe what it means to be Filipino. Different times and different regions determine one's experience, language, traditions, clothing, and outward appearance. But all are beautiful and to be embraced and celebrated, which was my goal for this series as I explore my identity as well.