Kate Downie was born in the United States, Kate Downie RSA (b 1958) now lives and works in Edinburgh. Downie is inspired by 'acts of engineering and human construction' 'amidst the seas, mountains and the envelope of air; concrete, asphalt, steel. glass and plastic.' Her 'edgescapes' explore tensions between natural and man-made environments, centuries of tradition, change and migration. She has worked extensively in Europe, the USA and China, reimagining Eastern and Western traditions of seeing in her art. Her paintings are in the Glasgow Gallery of Modern Art, Kelvingrove Art Gallery, Royal Scottish Academy and the Aberdeen Art Gallery. One is owned by the late Queen Elizabeth 11.