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Kathleen Knowling: Art is What Makes Life More Interesting Than Art
“I’m not accurate, never. And I encourage people not to be. You observe more that way.”
At 97, Kathleen Knowling draws every day—capturing the humour, beauty, and quiet rhythms of daily life with a sharp eye and playful spirit. Her handmade sketchbooks are the heart of her practice. Each book is filled to the brim with contour drawings, bits of poetry, collage, and playful observations of the world around her. From portraits of her dog Rusty to teacups and city streets, her sketchbooks invite us to look closely and find delight in the familiar.
A foundational figure in Newfoundland and Labrador’s art community, Knowling has spent decades making, teaching, and advocating for the arts. This exhibition offers a glimpse into Knowling’s prolific, decades-long creative journey—rooted in curiosity, resilience, and a lifelong commitment to seeing the world anew.
About the Artist
Kathleen Knowling (b. 1927, St. John’s, NL) is a prolific artist whose practice spans painting, textiles, drawing, bookmaking, and writing, with a strong connection to place, memory, and daily experience. After earning a BA in History from Barnard College, Columbia University, she spent two years studying museum collections in Paris before returning to Newfoundland. She raised three children and, in the 1970s, turned her focus to art—studying at NSCAD, Mount Allison, and Memorial University, where she later taught art history. A founding member of the Group of 77, Knowling has long championed feminist perspectives and artist advocacy.
Her work has been exhibited nationally, including "My Town, Your Town" (2011) at the Emma Butler Gallery and "Traditions in Transition" (2006–07) at The Rooms. She has also curated exhibitions, led workshops, and contributed art writing and poetry. Her work is held in significant collections, including The Rooms, the Canada Council Art Bank, the Department of Foreign Affairs, and the Government of Newfoundland and Labrador.