Kaitlin Merchant

Artist Statement:

My current work emerges from the journey of embracing my story, shedding the layers that life has piled on top, and allowing my true self to shine through. This process was not a sudden revelation but rather a slow burn—walking into figurative walls repeatedly until I finally understood the need to rewrite my narrative. As I began to take ownership of my story, my art transformed with me.

This inner journey is directly reflected in the evolution of my artwork. For a long time, the neon underpainting was buried beneath layers of paint, unseen. But as I became more intentional about how I told my story, both to myself and to the world, the neon began to emerge, demanding to be seen. My work shifted from soft, subtle colors to a bold interplay between bright neon and organic forms. It was a conscious choice to make the message impossible to ignore. Just like in life, this "pattern interrupt" compels viewers to pause and question: "What’s this neon? Why is it here?"

The process of creating my paintings mirrors this transformation. Each piece starts with a bright base of neon, symbolizing the inner self. I layer it with lines, shapes, and patterns using fine art and washi tape, then cover the top in oil paint, representing the layers of life that accumulate over time. In my mixed media work, I incorporate discarded items that have served their purpose, adding them as a reminder of past experiences. The final step is to peel away the tape, revealing the neon beneath—a direct symbol of shedding the stories that no longer serve us.

Owning my story has transformed my journey from that of a passive participant to an active creator of my path. From the upheaval of divorce to reclaiming my financial independence and building an abundant life for my son, I've learned to peel back the layers and let my true, bright self shine through. By taking control of our narratives, we shine our brightest.

Through my work, I invite viewers to feel empowered, energized, and encouraged to connect with their own bright, powerful selves—to 'own their stories and write the ending' boldly.

Artist Bio:

Kaitlin Merchant is an artist living and working in Dallas, TX. Her work has been shown at Washington Gallery in Waco, TX and in numerous group shows in Austin and surrounding areas, Dallas, Houston, and St. Louis., including Atmospheric Perspective, Dallas Art for Advocacy Preview Exhibit, and All in the Family. She was the recipient of Art in Public Places in Bastrop, TX. Her hand-painted textile collaboration with Munelle De Vie was featured in D Magazine in July 2023.