My name is Kathryn Frey and I am currently located in Paris.
The simple answer for why I came to the AMT program was that I wanted to learn how to make things. I had never taken an art class before, and it didn’t even cross my mind that I wanted to be an “artist”. I just knew that I wanted to learn how to turn my ideas and concepts into fully formed projects. I was attracted to a multidisciplinary education, allowing for experimenting with several different forms and mediums of making (because I had no idea what my “medium” was — and I kinda still don’t!), and it was also important to me to have a thorough research, liberal arts, and art history facet to my education. Also it was in Paris, and so that was a plus. So here I am.
And now, it’s a bit surreal to look back on what I was thinking about and making in my first semester of Parsons, three years ago. My process has evolved, and — at least I hope!! — that by the end of my senior year, I will have the skills and resources to be able to launch into my career. Over the course of my time at Parsons, I have become increasingly interested in fashion, particularly the intersection of fashion, art, textile, ethics, sustainability, and social justice. There is also an entire section of my brain and life devoted to ballet, movement, theatre, and music — and ultimately, bodies in relationship to space and sound. I am interested in discovering and creating spaces where all of these different facets can intersect. And in context of this class, I love to go into a deep research to learn how this can happen.
One thing that I know is that I will always be making art. Whether or not I can pay rent with my art (I mean, that would be great!) doesn’t matter to me at this point. I’ve evolved to understand that the word “artist” is something I am instead of something I do. I’ll stop myself there before I get too philosophical on you.
Career is important to me, and I am also entirely and utmostly open minded about what my career will look like. I suppose it does come down to the original reason why I came to Parsons; to make things. I hope that I can make things… things that are beautiful, educational, and meaningful. If you asked me, I could definitely describe to you several “dream jobs” I have, but I suppose they don’t really matter unless I keep myself accountable to doing my best work and focusing on projects that I truly care about. So for now, I’m going to enjoy this last year of school and keep my options, mind, and heart open.
Most recently, I launched a zine called Splendor Buttons about the intersections of fashion and social justice. I started it while quarantining at my parent’s home in Oregon. The first issue was about fashion and social distancing, and I am currently working on a second issue and getting the zine printed. It’s been a really joyful and educational experience of making a zine, and in many ways, launching a platform. It’s been a lesson in business, marketing, and entrepreneurship, but also a wonderful opportunity to curate and edit my own publication. Check it out here.
Hidden talent: I stand on my head for a couple minutes every morning. Helps the blood flow. 
