Kayli Cottonwood is an interdisciplinary artist based in Denver, Colorado, whose work bridges the realms of science and art to create a compelling visual language rooted in ecological research. Graduating with distinction from Metropolitan State University of Denver in 2024 with a BFA in Studio Art and a minor in Entrepreneurship, Kayli’s practice reflects a deep connection to their namesake tree, the cottonwood, which inspires explorations of the intersections between the climate crisis and the human experience.
Guided by a commitment to environmental integrity and authenticity, Kayli’s work invites viewers to reconsider their relationship with the natural world. Experimentation is central to their practice, as it is in both science and art, to discover the best materials and methods for communicating specific messages. With a heavy focus on materiality, Kayli utilizes the historical and cultural associations of each material to add layers of meaning, both literal and conceptual, to their work. Through this thoughtful blending of research, material exploration, and innovative techniques, their practice fosters a sense of shared responsibility and encourages ‘becoming with’ non-human life.
Kayli’s art has been featured in prominent exhibitions, including the Breaking Boundaries Exhibit at Downtown Aurora Visual Arts (DAVA), In Flux Jewelry Exhibition at Platte Forum, the BFA Thesis Exhibition at the Center for Visual Arts (CVA), and the Metro Now Art Show at Emanuel Gallery. On an international stage, they participated in the TASTY Exhibition at Munich Jewelry Week, hosted at ZIRKA Gallery in Germany.