Animal Instinct
by Miranda Steadman
Folly Beach-based artist Kate Barratini has once again created a primal party for art enthusiasts to let loose and indulge their wild side with some animalistic works of art. The third installment of Animal Shred will be held at Hed Hi Studio, located at 654 King St. in downtown Charleston. This time she’s teamed up again with local photographer Justin Morris (Follyhood), and pastel master and newcomer to the event, Taylor Faulkner. There will also be some special “shreddy” works by some members of HEART, SC’s inclusive arts community that provides visual arts, music, and performing arts mentorships for adults with special needs.
Animal Shred combines surfing culture with the animal kingdom and was inspired by Barratini’s signature zoomorphic paintings that combine wave shredders with various animals.
“We separated ourselves from the animal world but we are very much animals,” says Barratini. “Be ready for a hot and loud night.” The tunes at Animal Shred III will be provided by DJ Moldy Brain and musician Scott Dence’s new synth grunge project Yearning Whirl. The open bar will be serving up PBR, wine and Liquid Death for guests.
Hed Hi Studio is run by Folly Beach cinematographer Tim McManus. The event kicks off at 6 p.m. on Friday, Aug. 12. The studio will be adorned with art celebrating both surfing and animals.
“I’m excited to see everybody making it happen. It’s a really remarkable time to be a part of this contemporary arts movement happening all over the world,” says Barratini. Original works from the featured artists will be raffled off at the end of the show. One photograph by Morris features model Lauren Ridenour on the shore next to her board wearing a white Fox mask.
“It has been awesome seeing him [Morris] directing more shoots,” says Barratini.
Faulkner works mainly with dry mediums and sculpture. “She is on another level creatively,” says Barratini. Inspired by the animal kingdom, one piece of Taylor’s features the toes of different animals in pastels. Ten percent of all art sales at the event will be split between two local charities, Charleston Water Keeper and HEART.
“Charleston Water Keeper is constantly replenishing a very important element in our ecosystem,” says Barratini. The nonprofit takes legal action against polluters in addition to renourishing oyster reefs, planting Spartina grass and reporting our city’s water quality weekly.’
According to Barratini, she’s motivated to create this art because it reminds her to take things less seriously. She names visual artists DeeDee Cheriel, Fritz Shoulder and Tyler Warren as influences.
“Art constantly reminds me to stay humble and continue learning how to be better at what I’m doing,” says Barratini. “It feels good to be a student … It has made me open to changing my rhythm up a bit.”
One of Barratini’s favorite pieces in the show is a painting of a Hawaiian goose entitled “Uncle NeeNee.” Amidst a retro ’70s Hawaiian surfing scene, she painted a goose head on top of famous Hawaiian surfer Bruce Raymond’ body.
“Art is our greatest export in the whole world and I truly believe that. Art has the ability to ground us and open doors to places we didn’t know existed,” she says.
Barratini’s passions for creating, surfing, and nature inspired her to host the first Animal Shred several years ago. Now in its third incarnation, she hopes to keep the event going well into the future with the addition of more artists.
Animal Shred III will be held on Friday, Aug. 12 at Hi Hed Studio, located at 654 King St.
