My artwork springs from a mix of many influences. It has the surprise of driving from a rolling green forest or sunny foothills, into a dense, busy city, within an hour. I have recently fallen in love with the splendor of Northern New Mexico, and spend much of my time in Taos, New Mexico. The light, beauty, and colors of Taos are reflected in my new work.

Abstract painting is a big part of my artwork and career. My abstract paintings are realms of discovery and process, color, line and movement. The paintings explore past and present memory, and place, with process painting. I like to create large abstractions that become environments of color, and often of emotion.

I frequently return to drawing as practice, and because I love to capture what I see on paper. There is a magical change in the translation. I enjoy applying symbol in art. I often mix my drawings with loose painting and mark making.

I do not believe an artist has to stay within one style. It’s important for me to grow and challenge myself by using new ideas and materials. The concept behind the artwork defines what media I use. As does the mood of the piece. Sometimes a discovery of different art materials, or an interesting found object inspires an artwork!

I admire the painter, Gerhardt Richter, who moves beautifully from abstraction to realism throughout his illustrious career.

I also give applause to the Grace Hartigan’s work. Her large abstract paintings eliminate all reference to objects. They live through rich color and marks swimming together on canvas.

My works on paper owe much to the artist Wassily Kandinsky. His playful abstractions make me smile! His style is light, with fine lines dancing in washes of color.

Jean-Michel Basquiat’s paintings inspire me to tell personal stories. His abstractions are raw, emotional. They are bold, rich, testimonies about his life told in symbols, graffiti.

Where would the world be without art? It is the anchor for all of us in the turbulent, beautiful world we live in.

- Catherine V. Carilli