Featured Artist
Katie Keller Dugan
Featured Artist
Black Cat Photo Art
Instagram:@black_cat_photoart
Katie Keller Dugan is a mom, educator, and animal lover turned photographer with a passion for capturing images of animals, flowers, and tiny moments in nature. Katie studied English at Davidson College and Reading Education at UNC Charlotte in North Carolina. She is a dedicated volunteer at Hope & Serenity Farm Sanctuary in Nokesville, VA where she is surrounded by the most gorgeous subjects to photograph. Katie loves capturing animals' personalities in her photography and special moments of friendship between humans and animals. Animal portraits are her favorite photos to take, with nature and floral photography a close second. Katie strives to create work that resonates with others and hopefully reminds them there is so much joy to be found in our natural world. Katie, originally from Buffalo, NY, now lives with her husband and four boys on a micro-farm in Nokesville, VA.
[Question 3] What experiences or interests influence your artwork?
My love for animals and nature drives most of my work. Almost six years ago I began volunteering at Hope & Serenity Farm Sanctuary in Nokesville, VA, and the experience reignited my love for photography. As I care for the animals I am constantly surprised and enamored by their personalities and unique souls. I cannot help but capture images of these incredible animals so others are able to experience even a tiny bit of the happiness and wonder they bring me.
Being an educator and mom has also influenced my photography. Children see beauty in places adults often overlook. Working with children and having four of my own has helped me keep a little bit of my ability to see through the eyes of a child and not take everyday, simple beauty for granted.
Being involved in art clubs like CAA , PWPC, and PWAS the past few years has also influenced my photography. The artists around me challenge me to step outside of my comfort zone and shoot subjects and themes I would never attempt on my own.
[Question 1] I know you primarily as a photographer. Is this your preferred medium?
Yes! I love to play with paint as well, but just for fun!
[Question 2] What is your intention or initial concept when you create a piece of art?
My initial intention when I create a piece of art is to convey to the viewer what I felt when capturing the moment, or encourage the viewer to make a different, more personal connection with the subject. I want my photography to stir up emotions, encourage memories, and resonate with people. With my animal portraits I hope to create a connection between the animal and the viewer. I want the observer to be pulled in deeper and be able to recognize - and feel - each animal's unique soul and spirit. With my non animal subjects, especially those found in nature such as flowers, trees, and sky-scapes, I attempt to preserve and share simple moments of beauty that are often overlooked.