|
Artist's Statement“Connatural: connected by nature, belonging naturally.”*
I am a painter whose deep connection to the natural world has inspired a career of exploring ways to express and evoke gratitude, compassion and protective action for our environment. After many years of working with traditional oil, acrylic and watercolor painting materials on landscapes, aerial views of earth and works inspired by photographs of deep space, my recent work is made with pigments derived wholly from plant and terrestrial sources, many of them harvested and processed by me from locations across Michigan. The paint has become part of my expressive palette to inspire a sense of urgency about the need to approach our endeavors with more integrity and understanding that we live in an interconnected ecosystem where each part effects the other. My recent works with earth pigments tune in to cave paintings and traditions of Renaissance painters, mulling and mixing paint to consistency. The subject matter of these paintings reflects on the Anthropocene, particularly to the issue of sprawl and the development of natural areas. In the collages, I combine paper painted with homemade botanical pigments and punched out paper shapes through inlay to create a unique vocabulary at a micro-scale. These smaller worlds are then assembled in larger contexts with the aim of challenging our perceptions about the universe and are our relationship to it. Nature is the big umbrella of what inspires and has always informed my work. The climate crisis has created an urgency that has called many artists to make works that speak to the beauty, preciousness and precariousness of our environment. My recent work goes a step further by challenging the nature of making art itself. By bringing attention to the materials of painting in particular, my work asks us to consider the impact of making art on the environment. I am using nontoxic, sustainably harvested earth and mineral pigments such as iron oxide, white rutile and loam in place of traditional oil paints. I am extracting colors from local sources - in the backyard or the grocery store – including buckthorn, walnut, cattail, turmeric root, forsythia, beets, mulberry, yellow and purple onion skins and more. I then reference older practices by experimenting with inlay work of painted paper, traditionally used to create jewelry, furniture, mosaics and textiles. I am creating motifs and abstract compositions by cutting shapes from my plant-based paintings, fitting them together and assembling them. I am integrating materials with form and subject in my painting to evoke a peaceful wholeness that references the innate wisdom of nature. My journey to this particular artistic crossroads began when after many years, I started rejecting (both physically and mentally) the toxic nature of traditional painting materials. In the search for materials that were healthier for me and the environment, I became immersed in the biology and properties of plants and their eco-systems which in turn led my work in new directions. I became more aware of seasonality, life cycles and of the everyday abundance in our immediate environment. I have realized that this integration of materials, form, and subject is a powerful inoculation against the growing anxiety and paralysis associated with the climate crisis. By drawing attention to the interconnectedness of nature, we can inspire hope and action to preserve our planet. Cathy Barry *https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/connatural Read an interview from my most recent exhibition "Connatural" at University of Michigan Matthaei Botanical Gardens pulp.aadl.org/node/618037 |
Curriculum Vitae
EDUCATION
Master of Fine Arts (2004)
Eastern Michigan University, Ypsilanti, MI
Bachelor of Fine Arts (2000)
University of Michigan
RECENT CAREER HISTORY
University of Michigan Stamps School of Art and Design, Ann Arbor, MI
2009-2013 Lecturer I: taught foundational art courses such as drawing, painting and watercolor, team taught art and design history seminar classes.
2014-present Lecturer II: promoted after rigorous external review, teach advanced level classes for art majors, Drawing II (Design drawing), continue to team teach art and design history courses.
University of Michigan Biological Station, Pellston, MI.
2017-present: developed and taught new interdisciplinary course, Florilegium: Creating A Plant Compendium under the University’s Third Century Initiative. Course includes field and studio exploration of plants as study of science and art. Students work with scientists, book artists, special collections at the library and with herbarium faculty.
https://lsa.umich.edu/umbs/students/courses/florilegium--creating-a-plant-compendium---artdes-300.html
Washtenaw Community College Ann Arbor, MI.
2006-2017: Art department instructor and adjunct faculty
2013 Winter Semester: Full time faculty; assumed full course load and administrative and department leadership duties.
TEACHING PORTFOLIO
Courses taught at Washtenaw Community College:
Introduction to Studio Art, Basic Drawing, Drawing II, Painting I, Painting II, Color
Courses taught at UM Stamps School of Art and Design:
Drawing for Majors, Drawing for Non-Majors, Introduction to Painting (Majors), Painting for Non-Majors, Watercolor for Non-Majors, Drawing II-Design Drawing, Art and Design History (team taught), Art and Design History in Context (team taught), Florilegium: Creating A Plant Compendium.
OTHER CAREER HIGHLIGHTS
2000-2012 Chelsea Center for the Arts, Chelsea, MI
Fine Arts Instructor and Gallery Director at community arts center
Design and teach fine arts curriculum for children and adults.
Curate, conceive and market year-round exhibitions for Center Gallery.
Developed innovative joint exhibits with other community organizations.
2004-2006 Riverside Arts Center, Ypsilanti, MI
Fine Arts Instructor, Class Coordinator, Docent
Design and teach fine arts curriculum for beginning and advanced adult artists.
Schedule, market and oversee all classes.
2005 ARTSearch, Ann Arbor, MI
Office Assistant and Exhibits Installer for art dealer.
2001-2004 Motawi Tileworks Ann Arbor, MI
Production Assistant for handmade ceramics in the arts and crafts tradition
SELECTED EXHIBITION HISTORY
Oil Paintings and Watercolors , Kerrytown Concert House, Ann Arbor, MI
February-March, 2018 (juried, solo)
Guest Artist, WSG Gallery, Ann Arbor, MI
December-January, 2016 (invitational)
Equilibrium, AADL-Mallet’s Creek Branch
October-December, 2014 (juried)
Reaching for the Light, River Gallery at Rackham Building
September-December, 2014 (juried)
The Anthropocene, Kerrytown Concert House, Ann Arbor, MI
March-April, 2013, (juried, solo)
Out There, Ann Arbor District Library
August-September, 2013 (juried, solo)
http://www.annarbor.com/entertainment/aadl-cathy-barry-out-there/
Overview, Chelsea Center for the Arts
February-June, 2009
http://www.annarbor.com/entertainment/cathy-barry-review/
http://www.annarbor.com/entertainment/a-unique-perspective-from-artist-cathy-barry/
Cathy Barry-New Paintings, Kerrytown Concert House, Ann Arbor, MI
June-July, 2008 (juried) (solo)
Four Seasons/Twelve Artists Eastern Michigan University Gallery, Ypsilanti, MI
February, 2008 (juried group show)
15th Annual Canton Fine Arts Exhibition 2007, The Village Theatre at Cherry Hill, Canton, MI
October, 2007 (juried)
Our Town, The Community House, Birmingham, MI
October, 2007 (juried)
Café Zola, Ann Arbor Art Center Extension, Ann Arbor, MI
June-August, 2007 (solo, juried)
Show Love, Gallery555 Detroit, MI
February, 2007 (juried)
Michigan Landscapes Invitational, Riverside Art Center Ypsilanti, MI
October, 2006
Opening Doors to Creativity, Public Art Project Chelsea, MI
August-October, 2006 (juried)
Celebrating Women Artists 1950-present, Ann Arbor Art Center Banner Gallery Ann Arbor, MI
July-October, 2006 (juried)
All Members Show, Deer Isle Artist Association, Deer Isle, Maine
July, 2006, 2007, 2008
Michigan Fine Arts Competition, Birmingham-Bloomfield Art Center, Birmingham, MI
March, 2006 (juried) AWARD
EMU Art Masters Invitational, Riverside Arts Center Ypsilanti, MI
February, 2006
PC3.O Pierpont Commons, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI
September, 2005 (juried)
Lure of the Local, River Gallery Chelsea, MI
June, 2005 (juried)
The Blue Marble: Cathy Barry, Riverside Arts Center Ypsilanti, MI
July, 2005 (juried)
Art By Art Teachers, 555Gallery Detroit, MI
March, 2005
Master of Fine Arts (2004)
Eastern Michigan University, Ypsilanti, MI
Bachelor of Fine Arts (2000)
University of Michigan
RECENT CAREER HISTORY
University of Michigan Stamps School of Art and Design, Ann Arbor, MI
2009-2013 Lecturer I: taught foundational art courses such as drawing, painting and watercolor, team taught art and design history seminar classes.
2014-present Lecturer II: promoted after rigorous external review, teach advanced level classes for art majors, Drawing II (Design drawing), continue to team teach art and design history courses.
University of Michigan Biological Station, Pellston, MI.
2017-present: developed and taught new interdisciplinary course, Florilegium: Creating A Plant Compendium under the University’s Third Century Initiative. Course includes field and studio exploration of plants as study of science and art. Students work with scientists, book artists, special collections at the library and with herbarium faculty.
https://lsa.umich.edu/umbs/students/courses/florilegium--creating-a-plant-compendium---artdes-300.html
Washtenaw Community College Ann Arbor, MI.
2006-2017: Art department instructor and adjunct faculty
2013 Winter Semester: Full time faculty; assumed full course load and administrative and department leadership duties.
TEACHING PORTFOLIO
Courses taught at Washtenaw Community College:
Introduction to Studio Art, Basic Drawing, Drawing II, Painting I, Painting II, Color
Courses taught at UM Stamps School of Art and Design:
Drawing for Majors, Drawing for Non-Majors, Introduction to Painting (Majors), Painting for Non-Majors, Watercolor for Non-Majors, Drawing II-Design Drawing, Art and Design History (team taught), Art and Design History in Context (team taught), Florilegium: Creating A Plant Compendium.
OTHER CAREER HIGHLIGHTS
2000-2012 Chelsea Center for the Arts, Chelsea, MI
Fine Arts Instructor and Gallery Director at community arts center
Design and teach fine arts curriculum for children and adults.
Curate, conceive and market year-round exhibitions for Center Gallery.
Developed innovative joint exhibits with other community organizations.
2004-2006 Riverside Arts Center, Ypsilanti, MI
Fine Arts Instructor, Class Coordinator, Docent
Design and teach fine arts curriculum for beginning and advanced adult artists.
Schedule, market and oversee all classes.
2005 ARTSearch, Ann Arbor, MI
Office Assistant and Exhibits Installer for art dealer.
2001-2004 Motawi Tileworks Ann Arbor, MI
Production Assistant for handmade ceramics in the arts and crafts tradition
SELECTED EXHIBITION HISTORY
Oil Paintings and Watercolors , Kerrytown Concert House, Ann Arbor, MI
February-March, 2018 (juried, solo)
Guest Artist, WSG Gallery, Ann Arbor, MI
December-January, 2016 (invitational)
Equilibrium, AADL-Mallet’s Creek Branch
October-December, 2014 (juried)
Reaching for the Light, River Gallery at Rackham Building
September-December, 2014 (juried)
The Anthropocene, Kerrytown Concert House, Ann Arbor, MI
March-April, 2013, (juried, solo)
Out There, Ann Arbor District Library
August-September, 2013 (juried, solo)
http://www.annarbor.com/entertainment/aadl-cathy-barry-out-there/
Overview, Chelsea Center for the Arts
February-June, 2009
http://www.annarbor.com/entertainment/cathy-barry-review/
http://www.annarbor.com/entertainment/a-unique-perspective-from-artist-cathy-barry/
Cathy Barry-New Paintings, Kerrytown Concert House, Ann Arbor, MI
June-July, 2008 (juried) (solo)
Four Seasons/Twelve Artists Eastern Michigan University Gallery, Ypsilanti, MI
February, 2008 (juried group show)
15th Annual Canton Fine Arts Exhibition 2007, The Village Theatre at Cherry Hill, Canton, MI
October, 2007 (juried)
Our Town, The Community House, Birmingham, MI
October, 2007 (juried)
Café Zola, Ann Arbor Art Center Extension, Ann Arbor, MI
June-August, 2007 (solo, juried)
Show Love, Gallery555 Detroit, MI
February, 2007 (juried)
Michigan Landscapes Invitational, Riverside Art Center Ypsilanti, MI
October, 2006
Opening Doors to Creativity, Public Art Project Chelsea, MI
August-October, 2006 (juried)
Celebrating Women Artists 1950-present, Ann Arbor Art Center Banner Gallery Ann Arbor, MI
July-October, 2006 (juried)
All Members Show, Deer Isle Artist Association, Deer Isle, Maine
July, 2006, 2007, 2008
Michigan Fine Arts Competition, Birmingham-Bloomfield Art Center, Birmingham, MI
March, 2006 (juried) AWARD
EMU Art Masters Invitational, Riverside Arts Center Ypsilanti, MI
February, 2006
PC3.O Pierpont Commons, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI
September, 2005 (juried)
Lure of the Local, River Gallery Chelsea, MI
June, 2005 (juried)
The Blue Marble: Cathy Barry, Riverside Arts Center Ypsilanti, MI
July, 2005 (juried)
Art By Art Teachers, 555Gallery Detroit, MI
March, 2005