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 challenges viewers to re-evaluate their connection to the natural world. Research and experimentation—central to both science and art—drive their search for materials and methods that best respond to our current environmental crisis. The act of making itself is a meditation—whether practicing patience and precision with metals, contemplating fate and interconnectedness through weaving, or grounding themselves with the earth when working with natural materials. Through the symbiotic relationship between research, materials, and techniques, Kayli creates a visual language that invites reflection on the delicate balance between human intervention and the natural world. Their work urges a deeper understanding of becoming with non-human life, inviting viewers to reconsider their place in the broader ecosystem.
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.