Statement
In creating art, I pose questions and then investigate and perform research for possible answers. Just as natural
light can embody us, I link the source of conceptual ideas with layers of color, texture, and transparency emanating
from materials and mediums. Recent investigations ask the question: What makes us feel alive?
My work engages materiality in many forms. It has its roots in childhood and the family fabric business. Spending a
multitude of hours around fabrics of all kinds - seeing and feeling colors, textures and patterns presented on an
array of fabric types, made an indelible mark, following me into adulthood and into the art I make. So, it is not
surprising given my years in southern California, I am influenced by atmospheric light, space and cosmology, urging
me to create mostly large scale wall, floor and installation works. The work reflects the transparent lightness of the
atmosphere together with a sense of wonder - touching upon the ephemeral, the cosmos and powerful forces of
nature and the environment that shape our life experience. Some of my installation works explore climate change
and my distinct visual language for interpreting its effects.
In recent months, I have been experimenting with watercolors, using them as a springboard to create works that are
sculptural and explore brushwork through the process of tearing apart and then re-building sculptural paintings that
also reference impressionism in their mixing of color with the “eye”. Color and color relationships are primary in this
direction of discovery.
The work, which references painting, drawing, and sculpture, draws upon a variety of materials and ideas for
inspiration. Along with several kinds of accessible materials, the studio is a lab - experimenting, exploring and
expanding possibilities as I am led down varying paths. I spend considerable periods of time researching materials
and concepts that translate into an expression of my ideas. I also use photography and video as process and as
complete artworks.
Color plays an integral role in the mediums I use, and along with the writing process, in translating my ideas into
art. The work, sharing forms of painting, sculpture and installation leads the viewer to take an intimate look at
familiar ordinary materials, stimulating curiosity about the natural world and our place in it.
Cathy Breslaw
light can embody us, I link the source of conceptual ideas with layers of color, texture, and transparency emanating
from materials and mediums. Recent investigations ask the question: What makes us feel alive?
My work engages materiality in many forms. It has its roots in childhood and the family fabric business. Spending a
multitude of hours around fabrics of all kinds - seeing and feeling colors, textures and patterns presented on an
array of fabric types, made an indelible mark, following me into adulthood and into the art I make. So, it is not
surprising given my years in southern California, I am influenced by atmospheric light, space and cosmology, urging
me to create mostly large scale wall, floor and installation works. The work reflects the transparent lightness of the
atmosphere together with a sense of wonder - touching upon the ephemeral, the cosmos and powerful forces of
nature and the environment that shape our life experience. Some of my installation works explore climate change
and my distinct visual language for interpreting its effects.
In recent months, I have been experimenting with watercolors, using them as a springboard to create works that are
sculptural and explore brushwork through the process of tearing apart and then re-building sculptural paintings that
also reference impressionism in their mixing of color with the “eye”. Color and color relationships are primary in this
direction of discovery.
The work, which references painting, drawing, and sculpture, draws upon a variety of materials and ideas for
inspiration. Along with several kinds of accessible materials, the studio is a lab - experimenting, exploring and
expanding possibilities as I am led down varying paths. I spend considerable periods of time researching materials
and concepts that translate into an expression of my ideas. I also use photography and video as process and as
complete artworks.
Color plays an integral role in the mediums I use, and along with the writing process, in translating my ideas into
art. The work, sharing forms of painting, sculpture and installation leads the viewer to take an intimate look at
familiar ordinary materials, stimulating curiosity about the natural world and our place in it.
Cathy Breslaw
