My artwork revolves around the subject of fossil fuels. I use different visual and conceptual approaches to examine the infrastructure created by the fossil fuel industries and to explore the physical, material qualities of coal and oil. Through my work, I aim to heighten an awareness of our disconnection and dependence on fossil fuels. Oil and coal are an integral part of our contemporary existence, yet remain mysterious and unknown substances, contained and controlled by the industry.

Kathleen Thum - Visual Artist

"Coal Striation", from the Carbon Series, Artist-made Ink from Coal from Wyoming and West Virginia, Artist-made Ink from Charcoal from the Clemson Experimental Forest in South Carolina and Golden Fluorescent Acrylic Paint on back for reflected color on machine-cut Yupo Paper, approximately 26” x 20”, 2025