Interview by Irina Rusinovich
Art is often a mirror—reflecting not just the artist’s vision but the world around them. For Katherine Silk, known as GIRLISTHISSILK, this philosophy extends beyond metaphor. Her work quite literally plays with reflection, utilizing industrial materials like steel to create ever-changing compositions that blur the boundaries between space, viewer, and emotion.
With a growing global audience and exhibitions in Vienna, Warsaw, and Graz, GIRLISTHISSILK continues to redefine how we experience contemporary art. In this exclusive interview, we delve into her creative evolution, inspirations, and the deeper narratives behind her work.
Katherine Silk
You have lived in 14 countries and studied in multiple prestigious art institutions. How have these diverse cultural experiences shaped your artistic vision and creative process?
Living in 14 countries has taught me how different cultures see the world in ways that can be completely opposite but equally valid. It’s like hearing one myth retold in countless versions — each perspective adds something new. This experience showed me that blending diverse views creates richer, more layered results. On a personal level, this diversity helped me hear myself more clearly. When you interact with so many different people and places, you start to see what resonates and what doesn’t. It’s become easier for me to separate the noise from the truth. That clarity means every decision in my creative process feels more deliberate and grounded.
Your early work focused on painting human figures, particularly your “ Jack“ series. What led you to transition from figurative painting to working with industrial materials like steel?
I began with traditional subjects: portraits, still lifes, and classical themes. Over time, these evolved into the “ Jack“ series, where Jack became more than a figure; he was a friend, a source of support. Even now, he appears in some of my sketches. Jack was unusual — too elongated, almost alien — but his actions were deeply human. He gave people the freedom to be themselves, like a reassuring voice that says, „It’s okay.“ And in that moment, you can breathe freely again. Eventually, all my works started to merge into one, blurring into something abstract and universal. That’s when I felt the need to find a new medium to carry these ideas forward. Steel allowed me to do that: it’s a material that feels alive, constantly shifting with its surroundings. It gave me the freedom to explore unity and transformation in a way that figurative painting no longer could.
Katherine Silk
Steel is a unique and unconventional artistic medium. What drew you to explore its reflective and transformative qualities, and how do you see it shaping your future works?
In myths, there’s the concept of the „magic mirror”. These mirrors reveal truth, forcing you to confront yourself without illusions. In today’s world, it’s harder to lie to ourselves. Steel, to me, is like a modern version of this mirror. Its reflections are sharp and honest, making you see yourself as you are. Steel also challenges the way we think about art. It reacts to light, movement, and space, creating a dynamic relationship with its surroundings. Looking forward, I want to experiment with combining steel with resin or glass to create works that feel layered — almost like portals that shift between solidity and fluidity, offering a sense of depth and transformation.
Your works have been featured in international exhibitions, from Vienna to Warsaw and Graz. Which exhibition experience has been the most impactful for you, and why?
Two exhibitions stand out. The first was in Germany in 2016. It was my first time presenting my art internationally, and it showed me that I could connect with people through my vision, no matter the culture. That experience expanded my understanding of what art can achieve. Everything in the exhibition sold out, and the feedback was incredible. Despite not speaking German, I saw how art could transcend language and create meaningful connections. It was a turning point that opened my eyes to the global potential of work. The second was in Warsaw, where I worked with microbiologists in a large laboratory. When I first walked in and proposed using bacteria to show the beauty of our environment, they were surprised — wide-eyed, even. For them, bacteria were something to study, not something to present as art. I explained that we could experiment with colors and growth patterns to create something visually stunning rather than the typical beige or black Petri dishes they were used to. In the end, the results were vivid and alive, and the collaboration turned out to be as rewarding as the final pieces.
Katherine Silk
With a significant online following, how do you balance the digital space with your physical exhibitions? Has social media influenced your artistic direction or the way you connect with your audience?
Initially, I trusted physical spaces more, believing they were the foundation for sharing my work with the world. Over time, as I gained more experience in the digital sphere, I realized its potential. The digital world allows for greater reach with less effort: connecting with people in different countries and enabling unique collaborations through social media. This scalability is unmatched. That said, I still value physical spaces. If I find an interesting gallery, coffee shop, or venue that resonates with my audience, I organize exhibitions to create a more tangible connection. Digital platforms are perfect for broad outreach, while physical spaces add depth, allowing people to engage with my art in person.
Your art challenges conventional ideas about industrial materials, transforming them into symbols of resilience and beauty. What message do you hope viewers take away from interacting with your work?
I want viewers to realize that anything is possible. Patterns and boundaries are constructs we can break, and our energy and thoughts can manifest in any medium. My art serves as a mirror for those willing to look deeper, reflecting their courage to explore new dimensions. It’s about transforming the ordinary into something extraordinary, showing that even industrial materials like cold steel can hold emotion and beauty if we allow it to. It’s not just about the material itself but what it reveals in those who engage with it.
