2019
“Immersion” : RECENT Exhibition : Chicago : May 18-June 22
at Bert Green Fine Art with special curation by Alix Sloan of Sloan Fine Art
“Light can come from inside or out, above us or below. We can swim in light without seeing or dance in the dark with perfect illumination. Light within or between us can be the hardest to see…until we pause.” CB
During a self-appointed sabbatical over a year and a half, I traveled in France, Croatia, Iceland and sailed up Vancouver island into Desolation Sound. The extraordinary diversity in the scope, texture, and movement of water in these flowing landscapes has fueled this work. These images explore and reflect feelings of intimacy, serene humility, and occasional clarity. I worked rather intuitively and some evolved into ambitious and even experimental works.
With paints that I make by hand with organic kaolin clay and pure pigments I build layers, finally adding lacquered inks and oil paint. Through these layers of sculptural dimension, light and narratives reveal themselves.
This is an offering to the timeless gifts of inspiration and metaphor available through immersion in this garden we share.
Press Release : Cathie Bleck‘s work is a series of luscious explorations into color, light, movement and form. Her process is a building up of multiple layers of organic clay and handmade pigments; she then carves, sands and etches the surface before adding inks, paint, lacquer and/or varnish. These expressive gestures — both subtractive and additive — create depth and lightness. Bleck created this show after an 18-month sabbatical were she traveled the world. Refreshed by glittering waters and enveloped by lush landscapes; she surrendered herself to the universe, utterly and completely immersed. The resulting works are at once bold and intimate, confident yet quiet, soulful and smart. Originally from Chicago, Bleck currently resides in Cleveland.
Bleck will give an artist talk about her work on Saturday, June 22 at 4 pm.
More photos and films from exhibition on Instagram cathie bleck
Above “Nectar” 8″ x 8″ and “Chrysalis” 24″ x 36″ Lacquer Inks, Handmade Clay Pigments on clay board panel
Photos from the opening :
2015
“Avance” solo Exhibition : Chicago : Firecat Projects : August/September
This body of work is a continuation of an ongoing series that explores the vulnerable nature of the human spirit and its immense resilience in the face of adversity. We continually pose questions like, “Now what? What will be? When will it happen?” These questions articulate a moment in time when a transition is taking place, when the world inside us changes. I feel that the most important parts of being human are those moments when we have the courage to rise up and face our demons; it is at these transitions that life’s challenging circumstances are reshaped indefinitely. Rather than focusing on the before or after, I use anthropomorphic characters to depict the state of mind when something happens; that place when we are moving through our lives experiencing courage, love and transcendence.
“Sacrifice I” 46″x 90″ Inks, lacquer and clay pigments on panel
“Sacrifice 1″ 48″x90” Inks, lacquer and clay on panel (Details below)
left : “Blue” 36″x48″ Inks, lacquer and clay on panel :
I think of the shadows as a kind of poetry that reaches into our subconscious, providing a transitory space between the dark and the light areas. Darkness heightens our sense of awareness because you have to strain “to see-to touch-to hear-to feel” darkness. Light, however, is our greatest source in seeking a direction. Yet we cannot have one without the other, because the symbolic duality between light and darkness is how we encounter our fears and continue to move forward.
A series of 4″x8″ panels that measure 90″ as a unified group of 11 horizontal panels
Studio shot
“Dune” 4″ x 8″ Inks, lacquer and clay on panel[/caption
I used to read “A Lasting friend: Friendship : making friends”(Kidskills interpersonal skills series) when I was growing up. The artwork is intrinsically intricate and spell bounding. I have a few questions about the series, and was wondering if Cathie would help me with some questions.
Hello Cathie!
I am hoping you are the same Cathie Bleck who illustrated a series of children’s books in the 80s.
I have a copy of The Rules at My House – Responsibility: understanding and accepting limits. It’s a fantastic book that is slowly sinking in with my 5 year old, and I am trying to find more books from the series. The copy I have was my sister’s (as the sticker inside clearly indicates! This was NOT my book hahaha) yet somehow I wound up with it, and it’s great for bedtime stories with my son.
If this was you I would greatly appreciate a reply and any assistance you could give on how/where to find the other books.
Thank you so much!
Hi Cathie! Long time no speak-but I do have an opportunity I wanted to run bye-you. Please call me on my cell# 973 868 5119 a.s.a.p.
It’s for Leo Burnett/Chicago and their client WalMart. They’re looking for an artist able to work in black + white. You immediately came my mind. Though, I’m not sure you want to work commercially anymore. This is a national 51 state search for talents (Puerto Rico is 51) For some reason I don’t have your phone # and can’t locate it on the internet-you are a very well protected woman!! Call anytime starting tomorrow at 10:30/am EST. Have a nice night-DG
Hello Cathie. I’ve long admired work, I’ve been to a couple shows and own your book. I’m wondering if you have any originals for sale or prints.