Artist Bio

Hi! My name is Kaitlin Knapp.

I’m an artist based in Richmond, Virginia, and the founder of Knapping Press. What began in 2020 as a way to stay connected during the early days of the pandemic has grown into a small business creating sustainable cards and gifts using found vintage imagery and colors drawn from nature.

After being laid off from my job in the NYC art world in March 2020, I turned to art-making for comfort. In a time that felt isolating and uncertain, I began creating handmade postcards to send to family and friends. Making something with my hands gave my days a sense of purpose, and the responses I received reminded me just how meaningful small gestures can be. That experience became the foundation for Knapping Press, shaping not only why I create, but how I create as well.

The early days of the pandemic underscored how much waste is embedded in everyday systems of making and consuming, so I set out to do things differently, with slow intention and deliberate decision-making guiding my process.

Working out of my home studio, I began building a practice that reflects that approach. I create natural watercolors from organic materials, using tannin-rich plants and food waste. Gentle heat extracts color from avocado skins, coffee grounds, onion skins, tea leaves, and rose petals, producing soft, earthy tones. The byproducts can be composted at home, and the rinse water can be safely washed down the drain. 

The imagery in my work is selected with the same care. Drawing on my background in art history, I source images from antiquarian books, scanning and restoring them before reworking them into new compositions. Each image is given new life and, through its placement alongside color and form, new meaning.

Sustainability has always been central to my work, shaping every stage of the process. From sourcing materials to packaging design, I prioritize options that are recyclable, compostable, or made with minimal environmental impact. As an advocate for accessible sustainability, I include information with every product about materials and disposal, because I believe sustainable choices should feel empowering, not confusing.

My work is rooted in connection, care for the planet, and the belief that small, thoughtful gestures can make a meaningful impact. Through Knapping Press, I hope to inspire joy, foster meaningful connection, and encourage more mindful ways of creating and consuming in everyday life.

Thank you for being here.