Red Sky. Oil on Canvas. Private Collection

Cathy Cooper Scott


ABSTRACT EXPRESSIONIST PAINTINGS IN OIL & SPRAY PAINT ON SUSTAINABLY SALVAGED CANVAS, PARTICLE BOARD, WOOD SHELVING, PLEXIGLASS, CORK BOARD, MIRROR & PANES OF GLASS
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ARTIST STATEMENT

Abstract Expressionism is an art form that speaks to me.  The idea that color evokes feelings and sensations has been an important part of my journey as an artist.  It amazes me how emotionally impactful simple strokes of carefully selected color on a surface can be.  My influences when I began painting over 10 years ago were Mark Rothko and Sir Howard Hodgkin…and now I find that they inspire me even more.   

I am my paintings.  They remind me that life does not have to be lived within the lines and can be experienced in many different mediums, colors and configurations.  I paint on whatever materials happen to end up in my studio - canvas, particle board, wood shelving, plexiglass, cork board, mirror, and panes of glass.  Each surface allows for the oils and their hues to convey a distinctive story…unique to one’s own personal life experiences.
 
As my father has always said, “Life is not a dress rehearsal!”…so let’s enjoy every second of every minute of every day. I hope you enjoy the experience of my humble, but heartfelt creations.

BACKGROUND

I am a Jersey girl.  Loved growing up in the Garden State and fell in love with New York City at an early age.  I earned my BA in communication at DePauw University in Greencastle, Indiana, and returned to NYC to start my career as a producer.  Numerous directors, production designers and creative directors absolutely had an effect on me and my trajectory as an artist.  I married a Scottish scientist in 1995, had triplets in 2002, moved to Poway CA in 2008, and participated my first group show in 2012.  Nothing I do is in moderation…marriage, kids, work, painting… I’m all in!
 
I believe that there is an artist in every single person if they are able to explore that side of themselves.  I was encouraged by an amazing artist to “just get some paint under my nails”...and here I am.  Art is a soulful thing, something that everyone has, and that aspect cannot necessarily be taught.
 
Cathy is a member of the Escondido Arts Partnership, Escondido Arts Association, and CB4 Creative Collective.

Image: Jen Gladheim Photography