OUS to host reception, talk with Katherine Cox

IRONTON – In a celebration of artistic expression spanning two decades, Ohio University Southern’s Art Gallery will host the opening of “PencilTown: Select Drawings From The Past 20 Years,” featuring the works of acclaimed artist Katherine Cox, of Willow Wood. The event will take place 5 – 6:30 p.m. Thursday, Jan. 18.

The exhibition, scheduled by the late Dennis Stewart, the gallery’s former coordinator, holds a special significance as it fulfills Stewart’s vision for the season. Interim gallery coordinator Tom Suter has stepped in to honor Stewart’s legacy and ensure the gallery season goes on as planned.

Cox’s collection comprises 14 drawings that offer a glimpse into the artist’s creative evolution. 

“It’s a little bit of this, that and the other from the past 20 years,” she said. “In my art-making career, I try to follow what is within me in my creativity.”

The love for pencil as her primary medium is evident in the variety of work showcased. 

“Honestly, I think one of the reasons I like pencil so much is because there’s so little involved. It’s me and my hand, the pencil and the paper,” said Cox.

The simplicity of pencil allows Cox to focus on essence of her subjects without the distractions of additional materials. Her passion for the medium has endured throughout her career, despite exploring other art forms such as painting, ceramics and printmaking.

“In this show, there’s some handmade paper included. I love making paper. There’s also some transfers, which is a way of putting an image on the paper, almost a printmaking technique. But it’s predominantly graphite pencil and paper,” said Cox.

Cox’s artistic journey began over 50 years ago, inspired by a figure drawing class that left a lasting impression. 

“Just responding to [the model’s] aura of being pregnant and glowing, and responding to that with simple line drawing with pencil was just amazing to me. That was the beginning,” she said.

The artist emphasized the importance of continuous inspiration, urging fellow artists to seek stimulation from their surroundings and other creators. 

“I’m a worker. I don’t wait to be inspired, I just go to work. And that’s me, that’s not everybody. But for me, that really works. Just make art, keep making art, keep making art, keep making art.”

“I’m really delighted to have an exhibit at Ohio University Southern,” Cox said. “I hope people enjoy it. I know what it is to me, but I like it when people can bring themselves to the work and have it speak to them in the context of their life.”