Interview
Cathy Williams
Cathy Williams, a native of Indianapolis, Indiana, is an abstract-expressionist painter and interdisciplinary artist.
Her first drawings appeared at the age of four, and her interest in art was resolute throughout her life. She enjoyed a successful career working for a large pharmaceutical corporation the majority of her adulthood. Upon retiring, Williams completed many mixed-media courses from various institutions.
Williams’ fondness for abstraction in the figurative arts is uniquely conveyed through intuitive gestures and mark making on canvas or board. Her expressive ‘people’ may have disjointed bodies or convoluted faces, however, they are all very real and special to her. She talks about them as if they are alive.
Her work has been displayed in group shows throughout the State of Indiana, Chicago, and in international online galleries. Cathy has had many solo exhibitions and has won awards in competitive settings. You can find her artwork in private collections throughout the United States.
Cathy lives and dreams with her husband, Michael, and their adored English Bulldog, Zola Maxine, in Indianapolis. Cathy likes to run, hike, laugh, dream about Picasso and always enjoys an outstanding glass of red wine.
What is your background and how did you start your journey in the art world?
“I’ve been a creative my entire life. As a small child, I loved to draw and paint. I was placed in advanced public school art classes where the artistic seeds were planted and remained dormant.
Life seemed to interfere. It wasn’t until I retired from a large pharmaceutical corporation that the urge to become serious about practicing art emerged. I took mixed-media and figurative drawing classes from the local art center in 2014. I have worked extremely hard and have positioned myself as a serious artist. I continue to grow every time I walk into my studio.”
What does your work aim to say? Does it comment on any current social or political issues?
“My work is not political. My artwork is authentic, enigmatic and somewhat bewildering. It evokes a plethora of emotional responses and invites conversations. There is a sense of mystery held within the substrate as it takes the observer through a labyrinth of questions… Some without answers.”
Which current art world trends are you following?
“I do not follow trends; I forge my own unique path and enjoy being dissimilar from the crowd.”
Do you plan your work in advance, or is it improvisation?
“I never plan my work. Intuitive responses to unseen and unprovoked actions begin the process. There was a time, however, where everything was planned and drawings had to be perfect. Thankfully, those days are far behind me. I celebrate being a recovering perfectionist. A collector once whispered, “There is perfection in your imperfection.” This quote embodies (perfectly) what my work is all about. No pun intended!”
What process, materials, techniques, etc., do you use to create your artwork?
“Nothing is sacred in my studio. My only constant is acrylic paint and my huge easel named ‘Wanda’, a true workhorse. My mixed-media toolbox consists of the normal paraphernalia. Knowing the marks I make are one of a kind is powerful. The scratches, scrapes and mark-making can depict the origins of my imagination. The layers that are hidden hold massive secrets.
Some of the more unusual media I’ve used are: coffee, wine, salsa, cement, mud, fireplace ashes, broken glass and I even requested to use blood from a recent blood test… although, the doctor would not comply.
I employ string mops to apply paint on large canvases and utilize various sizes of cement trowels to move the paint when working on the floor. A large squeegee made from steel assists in creating significant textures.
Then, there are the found objects/sculptures sub-category of my work that’s composed of items too numerous to mention from my adventures along the river, forests and city alleys.”
What’s your favorite artwork and why?
“My favorite works of art are by Serge Labegorre, a French abstract expressionist painter, whom I found early in my practice. I adore his works. Interestingly, in 2015, we traveled through wine country and docked in Fronsac, France. We ambled into a gallery where unbeknownst to us, Labegorre’s huge paintings were exhibited. The Universe has never disappointed me. Returning home, I reached out to Serge. His daughter, Sophie, who runs his operations and the Labegorre Foundation, responded and we’ve been friends since that encounter. We communicate regularly and I greatly value their friendships.
I’m also a lifelong fan of Picasso. Once, a psychic mentioned I used to ‘hang around’ with Pablo in another life. Somehow, this didn’t surprise me.”
“When my artwork leaves the studio, I feel humbled and send them off lovingly to live their own lives. Life is short. I’m grateful for my unique gifts that bring joy to others. This means the world to me.”
Have you had any noteworthy exhibitions you'd like to share?
“I’ve had the pleasure of enjoying numerous solo and select group exhibitions through the years. My most notable and successful solo show, ‘Adaptation’, was held last November at Saks Fifth Avenue (Indianapolis), where nearly fifty pieces were displayed.”
