Kitty Willow is a nonbinary artist, born and raised in Calgary, Alberta.

Willow’s work has a focus on childhood and the aesthetics associated with toys as a way to look at common situations of adulthood through a more innocent lens. They are interested in exploring uncomfortable subjects and experiences in ways that feel lighthearted and easier to digest. In particular, exploring trauma and grief with toys and childlike imagery creates a dialectic that they find charming, if deceptive.

Their practice consists of fibre works, in particular needle felted dolls paired with clay accessories. The figures themselves are animals that are commonly seen as plush toys, and there is a large focus on body language and facial expression even on a small scale. There is a handmade quality to their work, and this allows for a home-like look.

As a queer and mentally ill artist they hope to explore feelings of aimlessness and fear in the modern world through traditionally feminine and innocent mediums. By using fibre arts and dolls to present situations of the effects of trauma and illness they want to build intimate environments that allow for a lighthearted look at less than desirable situations.