A BYU student is combining her research with art to paint powerful portraits of women throughout history.
European studies major Katherine Latey’s affinity for art dates back to her childhood.
“Some of my very first memories are doing those little-kid watercolors that your parents hang up on the fridge,” Katherine Latey said.
Katherine’s mother, Elizabeth Latey, said her daughter has always been a creator.
“Katherine has never not been an artist,” Elizabeth Latey said.
While Katherine Latey still keeps art on her fridge, she has found ways to reach larger audiences.
Katherine Latey recently showcased her artwork in an exhibit titled "Historical Femininity" in the Harold B. Lee Library. The collection was on display from January to March and featured eight portraits of women throughout history.
Characters included Shakespeare’s Ophelia and Charlotte Corday as well as figures representing divine assistance and women during the Enlightenment period.
Katherine Latey’s work represents a true love for her subjects both on and off the canvas. A self-proclaimed history nerd, Katherine Latey said that before her brush touches the paper, she spends hours researching the subject.
“I love academia and I love research,” Katherine Latey said. “I wanted to create paintings that were historically based — more accurate to what actually happened.”
Katherine Latey is currently doing research under assistant history professor Dr. Sarah Guerrero. Katherine Latey’s innate curiosity and attention to detail open the door to new avenues of discovery, Guerrero said.
“She’s willing to continually think about her research and what other potential avenues there are,” Guerrero said. “She doesn’t close herself off from things.”
That dedication, along with a knack for French, helped Katherine Latey research one of her favorite figures, Joan of Arc.
“I really connected with Joan of Arc because I read through all the source material we had on her from that time period in the 15th century,” Katherine Latey said.
Katherine Latey’s collection featured two portraits of the historical icon. The first shows a woman in armor whose steady gaze meets the viewer with confidence. The second piece presents a softer figure, with Joan of Arc in a light dress and surrounded by a golden halo.
Katherine Latey said painting has helped her better understand femininity and the duality of womanhood.
“It’s taught me that womanhood takes a lot of different forms,” Latey said.
Katherine Latey shared her admiration for Joan of Arc’s strength as well as for women like her great-great-grandmother, who emigrated from Prussia to the United States.
“There are a lot of different ways strong womanhood can come through,” Katherine Latey said.
One key figure in Katherine Latey’s life is her mother who encouraged her to keep creating during periods of doubt.
“She was always very encouraging, asking, ‘Is this bringing you joy, Katherine? Okay, then keep going with it,’” Katherine Latey said.
Elizabeth said she is proud of Katherine and wants her daughters to know their divine worth.
“I wanted my daughters to know who they were as daughters of God with their unique, incredible potential and not to feel like they were sitting and waiting to be discovered,” Elizabeth Latey said.
Katherine Latey’s combination of research and imagination will continue as she plans to start a Ph.D. program in art history, focusing on French art in the 17th and 18th centuries.
Katherine Latey encouraged young women and creators to continue their process of self-discovery by experimenting and stepping out of their comfort zones. Everyone’s journey is different, and we are constantly changing, she said.
“Just take your time and enjoy the dreaming,” Katherine Latey said. “Society tells us you need to know who you are right now, but we’re very fluid beings.”
With an insatiable sense of curiosity and a healthy dose of imagination, Katherine Latey continues to grab her brush and make life her canvas.
More of Katherine Latey’s work is featured on her Instagram page @kreative.kikis.