ARTIST STATEMENT

My work includes both ethereal landscapes and abstract designs. The subjects I choose to paint are organic, either originating from Mother Nature, or inspired by her. I begin my mornings with meditation and then to my studio to paint. One goal with my work is to transport the viewer into a realm of calm and respite, or perhaps to recall a memory of a favorite place or loved one. My visual vocabulary seeks to communicate the indescribable serenity and healing experienced from nature. Centuries ago the Persian poet and mystic, Rumi, put it simply: “Observe the wonders as they occur around you. Don’t claim them. Feel the artistry moving through and be silent.” Many people often wonder “where” the scene is from in my ethereal landscape paintings. I believe they originate from my subconscious, imprinted by imagery from years of hiking, exploring, and sitting at the water’s edge in prayer. Chrysalis is the name given to the butterfly’s stage of growth where it is enclosed in a hard case just before it bursts out as a butterfly. The "Chrysalis" Series is about transformation. Beginning with an automatic drawing in graphite, translucent layers are applied, followed by more mark making, and more layers. There is a response to the previous gesture: it may be more of the same or total obliteration. Birth, growth, death, rebirth. There is tension and equilibrium occurring at once. Visual poetry. The “Chrysalis” Series was inspired and conceived while hiking in Serbia, Croatia, and Montenegro. Everyone has gifts from the Creator. I believe it is the duty of each to share our gifts with the planet. My paintings are a brave look inward – revealing what lies beneath both literally and spiritually. Yogi’s call it the “divine flame” – the spark that motivates you in life. In Buddha’s words, “Look within, thou art the Buddha”, while Jesus taught us that “The kingdom of heaven is within you”. For me, painting is the most life affirming thing to do.

It is said that a cat has 9 lives. I'm on my 3rd. For me college was a toss-up between art & science; I chose the latter. My 1st life was a decade as a genetic counselor seeing patients in high-risk prenatal & cancer clinics. My 2nd life a hybrid of genetic clinics by day, painting by night, traveling to art shows on weekends. Trapped by the golden handcuffs of healthcare & a steady paycheck, my emotional state swung from burn-out to fatigue to resentment to boredom. It was time to go. My 3rd life as a full-time artist had begun. I’m a painter & can often be found sketching ideas on yellow sticky notes, cocktail napkins, & the edges of grocery lists. Ideas come & they come often. Design is everywhere. Inspiration isn't far behind. I am guilty of doing too many things at once. Personality tests describe me as pioneering, creative, visionary, & a self-starter. Oh, & tenacious. I was born in the Chinese Year of the Rabbit - 1963 - & for those curious, my parents didn't name me after an animal. "Cat" is short for Catherine.