SPOTLIGHT: Cathie Bleck
March 18 through April 30
Cathie Bleck, an internationally respected artist (and Cleveland resident) is best known for her distinctive works in scratchboard and kaolin clay board. Her stylized forms are cut through inks and handmade pigments, revealing the white of the kaolin clay beneath. It is a process similar in concept to woodblock printing.
Bleck notes about her work, “When I was a girl I fell in love with darkness. The tools I work with-pen, ink, fine knives and clay-became natural choices for someone drawn to observe and record the world in close detail, and to best orchestrate the balance between opposing forces where all species are challenged to maintain an equilibrium in a world of constant change. I am drawn, too, to my medium’s affinity with wood engraving, which evokes references to former artistic traditions and styles. My imagery is thus layered with this synthesis of contrasts both personal and historic. My explorations in scratchboard (kaolin clay on paper) have come full circle at present as I explore the medium of clay board and the liquid clay into a multi-sensory and multi-dimensional painting surface: both dark and light, with layers of clay in relief and in absence, and with textural irregularities that enhance my imaginary narratives.”
The spotlight gallery will be exhibiting a small collection of works showing the evolution of her medium including works in scratchboard, clayboard, clay on papyrus and limited edition prints.
Join us for an opening reception and opportunity to meet the artist on Friday, March 18. Works will be on view in the spotlight gallery through Saturday, April 30.