Artbox @ Lincoln Square: Kate the Earthling, karesansui

On View to the Public: August 2024 to February 2025

Lincoln Square Apartments, 1000 South Broad Street 

Kate the Earthling’s installation “karesansui” is a vertical moss garden inspired by the Zen gardens of Japan. Preserved mosses and rocks are arranged to mimic mountainous landscapes amidst flowing seas and rivers of sand. As in Japan, Kate’s garden is intended to spark contemplation about minimalism and the beauty of blank space. 

While Broad Street hums with the bustle of Center City, “karesansui” provides a stark contrast, offering passersby a space for contemplation, meditation, and quiet self-reflection. 

Kate’s "karesansui" invites Philadelphians to deepen their connection with nature and pause for a moment of stillness in the heart of Philly. 

Kate Shooltz is a Philadelphia-based moss artist known as Kate the Earthling. Inspired by the natural world, her creations promote a biophilic lifestyle enriched by nature. By using only preserved mosses and other natural elements her creations require no water or sunlight yet remain green and soft for years to come. Using real, but preserved plants ensures that Kate’s creations are accessible to everyone regardless of their green thumb or environment. Kate takes pride in creating a unique piece for each client and never duplicating a design. Every natural element is arranged solely by Kate in her Philadelphia art studio - each patch of moss and individual fern placed with intention and care. 

Since 2018, Kate the Earthling has created one-of-a-kind moss walls for clients and spaces all over the United States. Her work has been featured in the Olympic National Park “Terminus” Glacier Memorial Art Project, on Bravo TV’s Vanderpump Rules and Family Karma, in “National Parks” Magazine and the Italian Magazine “Biophilia Natural Trend” and in various online and TV publications such as PureWow and FOX 29’s show “The 215”.  

The happiness and purpose Kate has found in a life filled with nature is truly fulfilling. Through her artwork she hopes to inspire others to live the same. 

To view more of Kate the Earthing visit www.katetheearthling.com or follow @k8theearthling on Instagram.