/ART/

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.

Producer: Yihan Shao
Photographer: Tao Jingying
Model: AddSalt

What was the catalyst that made you start being a fashion influencer?

At first, it was really simple — I just loved fashion. I enjoyed styling outfits, taking
photos, and sharing them. I realized that clothes aren’t just something to wear; they’re a
way to express emotions and attitudes. One day, I posted a few outfit pictures on social
media and unexpectedly got a lot of likes and encouragement. That’s when I realized I
could inspire others with my style, and that made me feel recognized. So, I decided to
take this more seriously.

How has your life changed since becoming a fashion influencer?

My life has become busier and more challenging. I’m constantly coming up with new
ideas and content; every day is filled with planning, shooting, and editing. My life has
also become more public, and with that comes more attention and expectations. But it’s
also taught me time management and how to deal with pressure.

What does fashion mean to you?

Fashion is a form of free expression for me. It allows me to present different sides of
myself through various styles and outfits. Fashion isn’t just about following trends; it’s
about finding an attitude and lifestyle that suits you.

How do you define your style? Has it changed over time?

My style is probably best described as ‘mix and match.’ I like to combine minimalist
pieces with bold elements. Over time, my style has evolved with my mood and growth. I
used to favor a sweeter, edgier style, but now I enjoy combining vintage and modern
elements. My style changes, but staying true to myself remains constant.

AddSalt

What gives you the most sense of accomplishment when maintaining your
image on social media?

The most fulfilling part is when I see that people are inspired by my content or that my
posts give them confidence. I get messages from followers saying that my outfit posts
helped them step out of their comfort zone or try new styles, and that’s what keeps me
going!

What do you think your audience expects from you?

I think they expect to see authentic and creative content. They want not just
fashionable outfits, but also a glimpse of my everyday life and my thoughts on fashion.

Do you ever change your content based on feedback from followers or trends?
Why or why not?

AddSalt

Have you ever felt that it’s difficult to show your ‘true self’ on social media?
Why or why not?

Sometimes, yes. Social media tends to show only the glamorous side of life, but the
real me isn’t always perfect. I worry that if I show my vulnerable or tired side, people
might think I’m not ‚inspirational‘ anymore.

Do you think the ‘perfect persona’ is something influencers must maintain?

I don’t think it’s a must, but the pressure can be real. People tend to appreciate a
positive and flawless image and that can make us feel like we need to keep up
appearances all the time.

 What’s the most stressful part about maintaining the identity of a fashion
influencer?

The biggest stress is the constant need to create high-quality content while also
keeping up with your image and maintaining your own personal brand. Sometimes, I
feel creatively drained or physically exhausted, but I still have to stay active online.

How do you handle stress when it gets overwhelming?

I give myself a ‘short break,’ even if it’s just a few hours without my phone or social
media. Sometimes, I’ll hang out with friends, go to an exhibition, or take a walk to reset
and find new inspiration.

Do you think the image you project on social media is different from who you
are in real life?

Not a lot, actually. I try to stay true to myself. But I do tend to be more polished and
planned on social media, whereas in real life, I’m a bit more spontaneous and casual.

AddSalt

Have you ever doubted your choice to pursue this path? What kept you
going?

Definitely, especially when I feel creatively blocked or face negative comments. But
every time I get a message from someone telling me they were inspired by my work or
liked my outfits, I remember why I started. That keeps me going.

Have you ever felt ‘trapped’ by social media?

Sometimes, yes. For example, when I’m out with friends or traveling, I often think about
how I can capture content for social media, which can take away from just living in the
moment. That can feel like being ‘trapped’ by the platform.

What’s the most tiring or difficult part of content creation for you?

The hardest part is keeping the content fresh and creative. Fashion trends change so
quickly, and audience preferences shift, too. It’s always a challenge to stay true to
myself while continuously innovating.