Today we’d like to introduce you to Cat Palmer
Hi Cat, can you start by introducing yourself? We’d love to learn more about how you got to where you are today?
Cat Palmer is a photographer, mixed media artist, and community advocate based in Salt Lake City, Utah. She made a bold move to Salt Lake City at the age of 21, just as the excitement of the 2002 Winter Olympics was taking hold. Originally from the dynamic music and poetry scene in Orange County, California, Cat spent her teenage years photographing the energy of punk bands like Spoon and Squid on the streets of Los Angeles.
Her artistic journey blossomed further in her 20s and 30s, under the mentorship of Al Thelin, a former University of Utah photography professor with ties to the legendary Ansel Adams. Since starting her career in photography at 15, Cat became a professional photographer at 24 in 2004. She dedicated herself to full-time photography and art in 2009, and her work gained widespread recognition in Salt Lake City’s art scene.
Cat is known for her evocative black-and-white and mixed-media work, incorporating street art, Xerox transfer, and spray paint. Her earlier work often featured gas masks, symbolizing global concerns about clean air, an issue she passionately advocates for through her involvement in the SLC Air Protectors. In fact, environmental activism is a key theme in her art, alongside her commitment to feminism and social justice.
Her work spans a range of genres, from portraits and headshots to powerful activism-driven projects. She captured the wedding of Salt Lake City Mayor Jackie Biskupski and her wife Betty, and has worked with various notable figures, including Carrie Fisher, Penelope Spheeris, and Adeem The Artist. Cat’s “Go Home Trump” project, which went viral in 2017, involved over 100 people dressed in white on the steps of the Utah State Capitol in protest against Donald Trump’s visit to the state.
In addition to her work as a photographer, Cat is also deeply involved in her community. She has taught workshops, is a public speaker, and is currently mentoring a high school student for their capstone project, and has volunteered with the VA, where she taught photography as part of a recreational therapy class. Cat writes a column titled Small Lake City for City Weekly and has made regular appearances on the ABC lifestyle show Good Things Utah for the last 4 years.
Her contributions to the arts and her advocacy work have earned her multiple accolades. City Weekly named her “Best Visual Artist” in 2017, 2018, 2019, 2021, and 2023, and she has been honored with numerous other awards, including recognition for her feminist activism. Her influence and unique artistic voice continue to make a significant impact on both the local art scene and social movements in Utah.
Cat Palmer is a renaissance figure—combining art, activism, community leadership, and mentorship in her work and life. You can often find her working at her art studio, located at The Bogue Foundry.
Alright, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
Cat Palmer’s journey has undoubtedly been filled with both creative triumphs and challenges, which she has navigated with resilience and determination. While specific struggles aren’t always fully documented, there are several key areas where she has faced challenges or obstacles, both in her personal and professional life.
Starting as a photographer at 15 and becoming a professional by age 24, Cat faced the typical struggles many young artists encounter—establishing credibility, gaining experience, and building a portfolio in a competitive industry. Breaking into the professional world of photography at a relatively young age, especially in a city like Salt Lake City, required persistence, networking, and a significant amount of self-promotion. Transitioning into a full-time photography career in 2009 (with two new babies) came with the usual financial instability many artists face. Balancing the need to pay bills while pursuing a creative career can be difficult, especially when starting out. She was a young mom – going through a divorce while juggling a new business. It was definitely hard at times.
As a gender queer artist in a predominantly male-dominated world, Cat faced challenges in asserting herself, gaining recognition, and finding their place in the art community. Her outspoken feminism and active participation in feminist & queer movements made her a target for criticism or marginalization at times. Her advocacy for women’s rights—such as through her “Keep the Politicians Out of Our Vaginas” series—led to plenty backlash, especially in a state like Utah, where more conservative viewpoints are common. Strangely the image “Welcome to Utah, where our children cannot breathe” got the most backlash – even death threats.
Many of Cat’s works—such as her “Go Home Trump” protest and her involvement with environmental activism (SLC Air Protectors)—placed her at the forefront of political movements. This kind of activism can be polarizing and risky, especially in an era of heightened political tension. The “Go Home Trump” project, which went viral, could have put her in the crosshairs of political criticism or even hostility, given how divisive that moment was in American politics.
In her 40s, Cat balances raising two teenagers alongside her demanding career as an artist, advocate, and mentor. The dual role of being both a creative professional and a parent can be exhausting and stressful, and for many artists, this challenge is even more difficult when trying to maintain a work-life balance. She juggles her advocacy work on Capitol Hill and teaching roles with her responsibilities as a mother, which required sacrifices and careful time management. She could have chosen an easier life of a 9-5, but she is grateful for this one.
Cat transitioned away from shooting weddings in 2022, after having been involved in wedding photography for over a decade. This decision to retire from a highly lucrative segment of the photography industry could has been a significant shift. Many photographers build a career around weddings, and stepping away from that could has meant financial uncertainty or the need to redefine her niche within the photography community. But, she chose peace over money and does not regret that.
As a public figure—especially one known for her outspoken views on politics, feminism, and social justice—Cat likely faces both support and criticism in equal measure. Whether through her columns, her public artwork, or her activism, she is putting herself in the line of fire for those who disagree with her stances. Dealing with public backlash, particularly when advocating for controversial issues, can be emotionally taxing and can take a toll on both personal and professional relationships.
Like many artists, Cat has also have faced personal struggles with mental health or self-doubt, common among creatives. The pressures of living up to one’s own expectations, while continuously striving to push boundaries in art and activism, can take a toll. Balancing her public persona, family life, and creative passions could have posed its own set of emotional challenges.
Despite these struggles, Cat has consistently demonstrated resilience, using her art and advocacy to navigate and overcome the obstacles in her path. Her diverse body of work and her involvement in various communities show that she has managed to carve out a successful, meaningful life and career while tackling these challenges head-on. Also: therapy. Therapy helps.
Alright, so let’s switch gears a bit and talk business. What should we know about your work?
Cat Palmer is known for her distinctive approach to photography and her active role as an artist, feminist, and community advocate in Salt Lake City. Several key aspects of her work and life set her apart from others in the fields of photography and activism.
Cat Palmer’s photography isn’t just about capturing images—it’s about using art as a tool for activism and social change. Her work often addresses political, environmental, and feminist issues, giving voice to the marginalized and challenging societal norms. For example:
“Go Home Trump” (2017): This viral project involved over 100 people dressed in white on the Utah State Capitol lawn in protest against Donald Trump’s visit to Utah. The image captured the power of collective protest and sparked widespread conversation on social media and in the press.
Feminist Art Series: Her works, such as “You Can’t Grab This” (2020) and “You Don’t Own Me” (2012), advocate for people’s rights and bodily autonomy, making her a leading figure in the feminist art movement in Utah.
This blend of political commentary with artistic expression sets Palmer apart from other photographers who may not focus as heavily on activism.
Palmer is known for her black-and-white photography that often incorporates elements of mixed media, such as Xerox transfers, spray paint, and street art influences. Her unique aesthetic often blends photography with graphic elements, giving her work a raw, rebellious feel. She was particularly known for using gas masks in her early work, a symbol of her environmental advocacy and concern for clean air in Utah. This symbolism made her a key figure in the SLC Air Protectors, a group dedicated to air quality advocacy.
What truly sets Palmer apart is her incorporation of street art into her photography. Rather than simply taking studio portraits or commercial photographs, Cat often uses her photography to convey messages about societal issues, from air pollution to gender equality. Her work has an edge, blending the grit of street art with fine art techniques to address issues that matter most to her, creating visual statements that feel both urgent and deeply personal.
One of the standout moments in Palmer’s career was when she organized and photographed “The Last Supper” recreation with a group of influential figures in Salt Lake City, including local artist Deena Marie and well-known public personalities. This iconic project is emblematic of her ability to collaborate with key figures in the community and use her art to engage in conversations that transcend traditional artistic boundaries.
Like many artists, Palmer has grown weary of her usual style and has shifted in a new direction over the past couple of years. She’s been experimenting with fresh techniques, incorporating vintage papers and books into her artwork.
In essence, Cat Palmer is known for her unapologetic approach to using art as a form of social activism, her deep community involvement, and her ability to blend fine art with street influences. These qualities, along with her recognition in the local art scene and commitment to mentorship, distinguish her as a unique and powerful voice in both the art world and beyond.
What do you like and dislike about the city?
Cat Palmer has a deep connection to Salt Lake City, and several aspects of the city resonate with her, both personally and professionally. While specific personal preferences are often nuanced, based on her work and involvement in the community, here are a few things she likely appreciates most about Salt Lake City:
Salt Lake City has a thriving, if somewhat under-the-radar, arts scene (theater, music, dance, and visual arts). She appreciates the sense of community among local artists and creatives. As an active participant in the local art world, she values the opportunity to collaborate with other artists and contribute to a growing, diverse arts culture. Whether it’s through her role as a mentor or her involvement with organizations like the Women’s Art Center, Palmer seems to appreciate the spirit of support and cooperation within the local creative scene.
Salt Lake City is surrounded by stunning natural landscapes, from the Wasatch Mountains to the Great Salt Lake, offering outdoor enthusiasts and creatives alike a sense of inspiration and rejuvenation. Cat has likely drawn inspiration from these landscapes, as the environment has played a role in her work—especially her earlier photography that involved themes like air quality and environmental advocacy. The city’s proximity to nature allows her to blend the urban with the natural, something that likely fuels both her artistic vision and lifestyle.
Salt Lake City offers the benefits of a relatively small-town atmosphere while still providing access to urban amenities. For an artist like Cat, this balance might be ideal. The city’s smaller size fosters a sense of community and connectivity, while its urban setting provides the cultural and professional opportunities that help her thrive. This blend of personal accessibility and creative opportunity allows her to engage with both local and larger-scale audiences, enhancing her artistic impact.
During the pandemic, Cat found immense solace and inspiration in the way the Salt Lake City community came together during such a challenging time. She admired how neighbors supported each other, small businesses found innovative ways to stay afloat, and local artists rallied to keep the creative spirit alive despite the uncertainty. For Cat, this sense of collective resilience reinforced her deep love for the city and its people. It was a reminder of the strength and connection that can arise from shared hardship, and it fueled her ongoing commitment to fostering unity through her art and advocacy.
Salt Lake City has supported Cat’s career in unique ways, particularly through local media outlets like City Weekly. She’s received consistent recognition as a key figure in the local art scene, which has provided her with a platform to further her career and reach a wider audience. The local support for her work, especially as a feminist artist and activist, likely makes Salt Lake City feel like a place where her voice is both heard and valued.
The relatively low-pressure art scene in Salt Lake City may have given Cat more freedom to experiment and push boundaries with her art. The city’s openness to different styles—whether it’s street art, mixed-media photography, or progressive commentary—allows her to take creative risks without the constraints often found in larger, more competitive art markets.
Least? As an outspoken environmental advocate, Cat has long criticized Utah’s poor air quality, which ranks among the worst in the nation during certain times of the year. Her early works featuring gas masks were a direct commentary on the dangerous pollution levels, particularly during inversion seasons. She has used her art to raise awareness about clean air initiatives, but the ongoing battle for better air quality remains a point of frustration. Cat has frequently voiced her concerns about the state’s predominantly conservative politics, especially when it comes to issues like women’s rights, LGBTQ+ rights, and environmental policy. Her feminist art projects, such as Keep the Politicians Out of Our Vaginas, reflect her discontent with Utah’s restrictive policies on reproductive rights. Body Autonomy is key and abortion is health care (this includes trans men and some non-binary people). While Salt Lake City itself is more liberal, Utah as a whole can be resistant to progressive ideas. Cat has expressed frustration with how slow change can be in a state where traditional values often dominate the conversation. This includes her advocacy for cleaner air, better support for marginalized communities, and more inclusive legislation. Trans rights should never have been politicized. She wishes that the UT Leg would focus on issues that actually mattered and would allow transgendered people the same rights as everyone else and leave them alone. We need more understanding, more bridge building, and less polarization.
Despite these challenges, Cat’s dedication to making Salt Lake City a better place is unwavering. She uses her frustrations as fuel for her art and advocacy, believing that the only way to create meaningful change is to confront the city’s shortcomings head-on.
Pricing:
- Mini headshots start at $185
- Art starts at $47
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.catpalmer.com
- Instagram: @catpalmerphotography
