ccbc's artist interview series with Katlin Aarma

Exploring the Intersection of Nature, Craft, and Sustainability with Katlin Aarma.

        In the vibrant, ever-changing world of contemporary art, there are few voices as distinctive as that of Katlin Aarma. A self-taught, multi-disciplinary artist based in Vancouver, BC, Katlin’s work draws deeply from her surroundings and experiences, blending the textures of nature with the beauty of second-hand materials. Living and creating on the unceded territories of the Musqueam, Squamish, and Tsleil-Waututh Nations, her practice reflects a deep sense of connection to the land, its history, and the living materials she uses.

A Journey Rooted in Curiosity and Play

Katlin’s artistic journey may not have followed a traditional path, but it’s one that is grounded in meaningful, authentic exploration. She describes her process as one of “curiosity, play, and reflection,” and it’s easy to see how this philosophy is woven throughout her work. Katlin’s artistic practice was born during the pandemic—a time when many of us were forced to slow down and reflect. She found herself with more time on her hands and the opportunity to explore a hobby that had always been in the background: crafting.

“I discovered a love for textiles during the pandemic,” Katlin shares. “What had always been a casual interest quickly became a serious part of my life.” This newfound passion for textiles, combined with a lifelong appreciation for flea market finds, thrifted treasures, and hand-me-downs from her sisters, has informed the heart of her art.

Her work, which includes textiles, paint, yarn, and even discarded objects from the outdoors, is a conversation between the artist and the materials themselves. There is a profound emphasis on sustainability, as Katlin is committed to using second-hand materials whenever possible. This commitment comes from a deep belief in the transformation of the overlooked—seeing beauty in things that others may discard.            

From Childhood Memories to Creative Practice

Katlin’s connection to nature and the idea of transformation isn’t a new one. Growing up in Vancouver, she spent much of her childhood exploring the West Coast’s lush forests and tidal pools—places where the natural world holds untold stories and offers a wealth of textures and patterns that have stayed with her throughout her life.

“These experiences laid the foundation for my art practice,” Katlin explains. “They show up in the textures, palettes, and layered storytelling in my work.” Her childhood memories of wandering through forests and discovering treasures in nature, combined with her love for secondhand items, have shaped her approach to making art.

Her work invites viewers to take a closer look at the stories woven into the materials, whether it’s the soft touch of a piece of yarn, the patina of a found object, or the frayed edge of a secondhand textile. Each texture, every piece of material, carries its own history, and it’s through this lens that Katlin approaches her work.

One of the most striking aspects of Katlin’s work is her ability to transform what others might see as imperfect or discarded into something beautiful and meaningful. In a world obsessed with perfection and newness, Katlin’s practice is a gentle rebellion, reminding us of the beauty in the worn, the weathered, and the well-loved.

“Being an artist is about staying curious, embracing change, and finding beauty in the unexpected,” she says. Her approach embraces the notion of art materialism—the idea that materials themselves carry meaning. To Katlin, it’s not just about the finished piece; it’s about the journey the materials have been on before they even reach her hands.

“Textures, origins, and imperfections in reused or found materials can tell stories and shape the final piece,” she adds. It’s in the careful juxtaposition of these elements—the familiar with the unfamiliar—that her work comes alive, inviting reflection and introspection from those who engage with it.

Katlin’s pieces aren’t just visual; they have a tactile quality that encourages interaction. Whether it’s a quilted piece of fabric or an abstract arrangement of found objects, her work is meant to be touched, explored, and pondered. The textures evoke a sensory experience that transcends the traditional boundaries of visual art.

The Emotional Power of Art

For Katlin, art is about connection—connection to nature, to memory, and to the material world around us. Through her work, she hopes to evoke an emotional response in her viewers, a response that comes not just from the visual impact of the piece but from the deeper, emotional resonance of the materials themselves.

“I want my work to intrigue viewers with the unexpected combinations of materials,” she says. “The emotional response often comes from the way each piece layers familiar textures with unfamiliar forms as it subtly invites viewers to consider themes of transformation, memory, and care.”

Her work encourages us to pause, to notice the details, and to reflect on how beauty can emerge from the most unlikely places. It reminds us that the objects we discard or overlook may still have untold stories to tell. In this sense, Katlin’s art is not just a personal exploration but a call for collective reflection on sustainability, memory, and the potential for transformation in the things we leave behind.

A Passion for Sustainability and Care

As Katlin continues to evolve as an artist, her dedication to sustainability remains at the forefront of her practice. By repurposing found materials, she not only gives them new life but also challenges us to rethink our relationship with consumption and waste. Her work speaks to the importance of care—both in the making and in the caring for the objects we hold dear.

In a world that often prioritizes mass production and disposable culture, Katlin’s art offers an alternative: one that values the imperfect, celebrates the worn, and finds beauty in the discarded. Her work is an invitation to slow down, to look deeper, and to appreciate the subtle transformations that take place every day—both in the world around us and within ourselves.

As Katlin continues to experiment, evolve, and push the boundaries of what art can be, her work remains a reflection of the values that ground her: curiosity, sustainability, and a deep reverence for nature. For those of us lucky enough to experience her art, it’s a powerful reminder of the beauty that lies in transformation, imperfection, and the stories we carry with us—both old and new.