Biography

A passion for healing the mind, body and spirit has been a life-long quest for Kathleen Earthrowl, an award-winning contemporary artist in the Houston community. The arts were the vehicle through which Earthrowl became a psychotherapist more than twenty years ago. “All of ones life experiences are interrelated although we may not see the connectedness at the time”, she states. As a therapist, Earthrowl “practiced what she preached” and privately journaled about feelings, thoughts, aspirations, and her history. Little did she know that this process of drawing and writing was the subconscious core of a career from which she will never retire. Painting is her driving force and passion, bringing overwhelming surprise to her life.

No doubt about it, Earthrowl is focused. She paints on a daily basis. At one point she moved to N.Y.C. to study at the Art Students’ League. She has sought fine and notable teachers and discovered that her favorite studio is nature (plein air). Traveling to paint is first and foremost in her life. France, England, Wales, New Zealand, Maine, New Hampshire, Vermont, Massachusetts, New York, Texas, New Mexico, Colorado, Arkansas, California, and Oregon are all in her repertoire and when not traveling, she paints in her studio at home.

Earthrowl’s entire life has been one of adventure and exploration. Born in Brimfield, Massachusetts, she has two children, a daughter who is a physician in Portland, Oregon and a son who is a psychotherapist in Houston. When she found herself in Houston in the late 70’s, she taught modern dance at the University of Houston and was an associate director of the Aesthetic Education program there. The arts led her further on a path to healing. She became involved with a group of students at Baylor College of Medicine and together they investigated the value of movement/dance and health. They started a dance group called The Dancemakers which focused on the healing nature of dance/movement. She taught at the Jung Center and became a movement therapist at St. Joseph’s Hospital, the beginning of a long career as a psychotherapist.

Earthrowl is described as an expressionist and colorist. Her work shows movement, vigorous brushstroke, and a sublime serenity. She is a “sensuous colorist” meaning that all the senses become a part of her painting experience. Her paintings are vibrant yet soothing, often described as healing and calming. The Harris Gallery of Houston at 1100 Bissonnet represents her work in Houston, and The Allen Sheppard Gallery in Chelsea, New York City.

Earthrowl’s new “Spiritual Screens” are unique. She is painting in oil on Plexiglas and framing in steel. The “screens” may be joined or stand separately. Colors are continually moving and changing in vibrance due to the transparency of the medium. Existing light plays a dramatic part, giving the work a healing nature, a warmth and serenity that draws one closer, calms and heals. Earthrowl’s passion is alive in her work.

earthrowl@kingwoodcable.com