Katharine Ellis is a four-year Senior from Weston, Massachusetts. She was an Editor-in-Chief for The Record from 2025-2026, is co-head of Baking Club and Junior Bearcats, and proctor in Tinker. She plans to pursue her artistic passion for culinary arts during a gap year and then continue her education at Princeton.
What are some of your artistic inspirations?
The most notable inspiration would be my grandma. She was a visual artist working in oil pastels. Seeing her artistic mind, particularly her focus on the intersection of nature and art, influenced me as I was growing up. I remember my grandma constantly getting me paper and pens for my artwork.
Additionally, the arts field trips have exposed me to a wider range of artists beyond the ones I typically looked to, like Monet. There are so many artists where I can look at their work and find something personal that resonates with me.
How did you discover your passion for art, particularly printmaking?
Coming to Hotchkiss, I was placed in studio art, where I’ve continued my work for the past four years. I always considered myself a ceramicist throughout middle school, but I am glad I was placed in this course, because it has really improved my skills. My Upper Mid year, Ms. Sam Salazar, my studio art teacher, introduced me to the world of printmaking, her area of expertise. Last spring, I started to practice that medium with a series I called “A Print A Day.”
Can you tell me about your most recent piece?
I created a dress made out of trash, which I was originally drawn to because I am into fashion and design and interested in the issue of overconsumption.
This dress consists of materials you wouldn’t necessarily expect to be on a piece of clothing, such as packaging from the post office and waste products from around the school. I wanted to think more critically about how I, and others, create waste through consumption and shopping. My entire piece centers around the idea that “you are what you wear.”
Do you have any advice for aspiring artists?
Step out of your comfort zone. It was never my plan to take studio art. Looking back, it has taught me so much. I’ve met great people and worked with amazing teachers through the class. I’m really happy I stuck with it for four years, because I got to try so many new things. Keep pushing yourself, and don’t stick to just what you know.
