Katherine Irish Henry

Throughout her life, Katherine Irish Henry has found solace in nature and in particular the vast skies found in New Mexico. These vistas offer a reminder of the timeless power of nature.

In 1974, she was fortunate to study art in Rome, Italy, with Stephen Greene. While in Italy she exposed herself to many of the vast art treasures held throughout Europe. The work of the Impressionists captured her heart. In 1975, Henry apprenticed with the New York artist, Williard Midgette. She haunted the New York art museums and galleries. She familiarized herself with many contemporary artists. Color field painters such as Baziotes, Rothko, Pousette-Darte, and Pollock influenced her work. In 1982, after receiving a Masters Degree in Art Therapy, she moved from New York to Taos, New Mexico to pursue painting seriously. At that time she studied with Marc Bergerson, a New York artist and student of Gorky. She exhibited frequently and showed in galleries in New Mexico, Arizona, and California.

"Over Albuquerque"
23 x 35"    $1,475

For over 20 years, Henry has studied the vistas of New Mexico intently and felt called by the ever changing skyscapes. She is drawn to the quiet power of the sky and inherent spiritual energy. This resonated with her deepening spirituality and interest in Taoism. The lessons learned through her study of the Impressionist artists, particularly Monet and the color field painters have given her a vehicle through which she can express her experience.

Presently, she lives with her son in the foothills of the mountains in New Mexico where she works as an art therapist and an artist.  She is represented by the Mariposa Gallery, Art is OK, Sumner and Dene, and Patrician Design.

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"Crimson Glow"
10 x 20"    $675

"Bosque del Apache, December 21, 2008 - 4:18pm"
23 x 35"    $1,475

"Cabezon Peak: June 16, 2008"
18 x 24"     $875

"Santo Domingo"
23 x 35"    $1,475

"Cabezon Peak; June 21, 2008"
18 x 24"     $875

Henry says:

"Skywatcher. A respected friend referred to herself as a fellow Skywatcher. This word fell into place as self-defining. I am a Skywatcher. I have been a Skywatcher as long as I can remember. Big skies over the desert, approaching weather, defined by the size and shapes of clouds. My father used to talk about the meaning of clouds. Clouds have threatened, whirled with power, beautifully choreographed by the growing pressure between hot and cold air. Sunsets have signaled that it was time to bicycle home – my nose and skin full of the scent of rich earth, corn and the warmth of the sun. Skies touch the edges of water, trees, desert, mountains, and islands. They hold all colors at one time or another. I dream about vast spaces, one home dwarfed, the land made rough by air, fire, and water and the pressures and rotation of the earth.

Sometimes others suggest that I might paint subjects more political, more pertinent and meaningful to our present times. But how do you change the very nature of your soul? I left New York knowing that I did not want to paint its pain and anger. I made a conscious decision to contribute beauty to the world. I am in league with the Naturalist and Luminist painters who point to the beauty around us.

What do you find beautiful? What fills your soul with joy and peace? Perhaps the lavender smell of wisteria, a cool breeze playfully stroking your cheek, a cloud as fine as angel hair, colored with shades of mauve, salmon, a strike of blue, the innocence of your children and grandchildren.

Skies are a window to a presence, much larger than we are. At night, stars and planets remind us that there are many mysteries and of our scale in the larger scheme of existence. Skies teach us of our ever changing experience in life, a moment never to be repeated, never the same. No need to hold on to that moment. To try to do so is fruitless. How can you freeze feathering bits of clouds and keep them from gliding across the sky in ever changing forms. What intensely bittersweet moment would be missed if a sunset did not complete its course? It is much better to experience, to be mindful and appreciate what is happening now and then let go.

I wonder. If more people felt it was truly imperative for themselves and their families to know the trill of a finch, the salmon of the Indian Paintbrush endangered in Utah, the clear cerulean blue of an unpolluted sky, would we make a concentrated effort to care for all that is alive. Would violence become less pervasive?"