If you happened upon a wrinkle in the earth, you might find something rich with mystery and possibility. It could be a shell or bone tracing back to ancient life or the music of a trickling stream. Shreveport textile artist Kaithlyn Cortez takes inspiration from the nature surrounding her, be it as a seasonal worker in our nation’s national parks or while kayaking the lakes near her new home in northwest Louisiana. And through a blend of textures, colors, and found objects, Cortez makes one-of-a-kind creatures that open us up to the magic and imagination of what a wrinkle in the earth can unfold for us.  

“Each of the Earth Wrinkles creatures is a vibrant blend of shapes, sizes, and colors, mirroring the diversity found in nature, and ultimately, within us,” said Cortez. “‘Petal’ is an insect-like creature with six legs, wings, and floral embellishments that was inspired by the monarch caterpillars and their flowering host plant, the swamp milkweed.  

‘The Salvinia Monster’ draws its name and form from the giant salvinia, an invasive plant known for its rapid growth and ability to form dense mats on the water surface. I created it as a commentary on the impact of invasive species on our ecosystem, and to explore the themes of nature and awareness.”  

Cortez goes on to say that without the Earth Wrinkles’ creatures, life would be dull. She thinks that getting to know our home planet is ultimately like getting to know ourselves. Each individual creature is built with personality and originality in mind. Cortez believes that we are all one-of-a-kind, and her creatures are created to honor that.  

Cortez’s work is just one example of how art is helping us imagine what a more harmonious and hopeful world might look like. We often hear the world described as a divided and contentious place. We mark time by a world-wide pandemic or devastating hurricane. We move at warp speed and allow technology to dominate us. Art has the profound capacity to inspire hope. Art can transcend differences and difficulties; it can bridge divides and foster mutual respect.  

It is important that we advocate for artists and the arts. Since 1976, the Shreveport Regional Arts Council (SRAC) has served as the official arts arm for nine parishes in northwest Louisiana, working to strengthen arts organizations and artists across the region. We believe that this is the answer to a more imaginative, vital, and prosperous community. SRAC produces programs that engage the community and maximizes access to arts such as the artist-in-residence program that brought internationally renowned Soundsuits artist Nick Cave to Shreveport for a year to partner with the community in beading projects and that ultimately resulted in a conclave of artists performing with Cave on the stage of the Shreveport Municipal Auditorium.  

SRAC also supports individual artists like KaDavien Baylor, whose larger-than-life murals bring groups of local artists together to create art that supports neighborhoods as vibrant places that people want to visit, live in, and take care of; neighborhoods that celebrate heritage and history. Baylor’s many murals across Shreveport make change, create hope, heal communities, and encourage investment and ownership.  

SRAC-supported artists and arts organizations use their creativity to foster connections. Visual artist Ron Smith celebrates the beauty of different cultures in his “Giants” series featuring great athletes and musicians, including Huddie (Lead Belly) Ledbetter and gymnast Simone Biles. His art allows people to step into their lives and encourages mutual respect. The Shreveport Regional Jazz Ensemble often plays concerts in Shreveport Common Park to bring people together in a shared experience that evokes our collective humanity. Former Caddo Parish Poet Laureate Poetic X has a sincere passion for poetry, arts, and education, and shares his spoken word to help people identify and reach their deepest inner potential. His art helps us imagine what a more equitable world might look like. And Cortez hopes you will embrace her Earth Wrinkles to transform fear into trust, acceptance, and a sense of joyful creativity.  

Dare to go deeper into the folds of Kaithlyn Cortez’s Earth Wrinkles to see if you can discover your own creature comfort at earthwrinkles.com. Learn more about the world of the Shreveport Regional Arts Council at shrevearts.org.