Unnatural Mutation – Illustrations by Caitlin Hackett

Vulpes Masquerade by Caitlin Hackett

Caitlin Hackett is a traditional artist in my home borough of Brooklyn NY with a truly interesting style. Almost all of her illustrations start off with drawing all the lines with a ball-point pen on a large piece of paper. The size of which ranges anywhere between 4in by 6in to a baffling 4 1/2ft by 5ft. After Caitlin lays out each individual line, she goes back in with colored pencil and watercolor to add shading and depth. This technique that she has clearly mastered is a pain-staking process but yields amazing results. The final piece marries crisp, flowing line-work with subtle bleeds of color. Her technique alone is a work of art, but the roots of her inspiration behind the artwork creates a whole other level of interest.

Caitlin Hackett drawing in her studio

The basis for many of Caitlin Hackett’s illustration is the destructive relationship of human vs. animal culminating in the mutation of the natural world. In her own words, “I am interested in the way in which people personify and objectify animals and nature in general, and the layers of mysticism and symbolism placed upon them regardless of their true nature.” Each piece shows a different mutation and environment the animal must survive in with hints of surreal elements like multiple limbs, odd animal mutations and hovering spirits to provoke thought. Even though the concept of industrialization and the mistreatment of animals is nothing new in the art scene, Caitlin’s realization and execution of this concept throughout her many works leaves me with a profound feeling of suffering and loss for the fellow inhabitant’s of our planet.

In Memory by Caitlin Hackett

Forget Me Not by Caitlin Hackett

The Warren’s Keepers by Caitlin Hackett

“Mad Potters Tea Party” Plate by Caitlin Hackett

“Mad Potters Tea Party” Set by Caitlin Hackett

To see more of Caitlin Hackett’s artwork, please visit her portfolio website.

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