From filling her father’s books with “fantastical animals” as a child to becoming cover artist for The History Press Folk Tales series, Katherine Soutar has spent a lifetime making stories visible through art. Her latest exhibition, now open in the Balcony & Link Room at Bear Steps Gallery, showcases this unique passion for bringing folklore and mythology to life on paper.

We spoke with Katherine about her artistic journey and what visitors can discover in her current exhibition, which runs until 16th August.

A Lifelong Love of Stories

I have always loved stories, folklore, poetry and song and communication and connection through art has always mattered to me,

Katherine explains.

Her approach to illustration has evolved over the years, moving from incorporating text directly into her work to “speaking through the image only to convey my thoughts and feelings.“

This shift reflects her deeper understanding of illustration’s power:

I believe that an illustration should add to a story, not just depict what is contained in the text… images can express the feel of a tale, of a place and time and character.

Her involvement with Festival at the Edge, England’s oldest storytelling festival, provided years of inspiration. “I met and was influenced by many tellers and their stories over the years,” she notes, experiences that continue to inform her visual interpretations.

Her background as an art psychotherapist also feeds into this work, understanding “the way we use images to tell stories about who we are.“

The Art of Slow Creation

Katherine’s technical approach reflects her commitment to atmosphere.

Most of my work is created in layers of watercolour and ink, its often a slow process but allows me to achieve rich colours and effects that suit storytelling and Mythological themes.

For monochrome work, “charcoal/liquid charcoal tend to be my first choices as they are exciting to use and print well in black and white.“

Teaching and Live Performance

Beyond illustration, Katherine finds deep meaning in teaching.

It connects me to two of the fundamental purposes of art, which I think are play and communication

She explains, emphasising process over product and helping people discover their own creative voice.

Perhaps most thrilling are her live drawing performances at storytelling events. “Making a piece happen in 20 minutes as the teller unfolds the story to the audience is a challenge i relish,” she describes it as “amazing and terrifying at the same time.”

Her most memorable experience was drawing live in St Magnus Cathedral in Orkney: “Such a very special building to perform in and perfect for the dark and visceral story she told.“

What Awaits at Bear Steps

The current exhibition presents,

A mix of work for the History press folktales series, some individual book commissions and self generated work.

Highlights include ‘The Salmon Man’ from Colin Urwin’s recent book ‘The Madman’s Window’, and original print and collage pieces from her Greek mythology series, featuring Athena and Medusa.

There’s also “a monoprint paying tribute to a favourite piece made by one of my favourites artists, Anthony Gormley. I’ve passed it a few times now and it always makes my heart sing.“

Stories Made Visible

Katherine Soutar’s work represents a genuine commitment to storytelling as a living tradition. Her illustrations don’t merely accompany text but breathe life into ancient tales, making folklore accessible for modern audiences.

The exhibition at Bear Steps Gallery offers visitors a chance to see this magic – where pencil markings become mythical creatures, and watercolour washes conjure entire worlds of wonder.

Katherine Soutar’s exhibition runs until 16th August in the Balcony & Link Room at Bear Steps Gallery, Shrewsbury.