CATHERINE HAVERKAMP .

ARTIST STATEMENT

I am drawn to Realism because of its capacity to speak all languages and its ability to move freely through all cultures, ages and genders. Each viewer translates the visual language of a representational piece through their own life, experience and perspective, defining realism as a very personal language.

My paintings tend to incorporate larger issues and symbolism through objects, light, and composition, making representational expression an excellent vessel for my artistic voice. The subject matter of my portraits tends to revolve around relationships and highlighting specific perspectives of individuals to give the public an intimate sense of the “inner eye” of the individual. Symbolism of “strength” is a common thread connecting my portrait work. I attempt to focus on individual characteristics that represent strength in all its manifestations. This is evident in paintings such as: “Lion Heart”, which conveys the strength of youth to face the future and the unknown, and in “The Saint” which demonstrates the strength to live under the societal pressures of perfection and the harmful internalizations of “beauty” or “purity”. I mirror these motifs of strength in my work by using objects, light, and gestures to add to the story of the sitter, and to communicate inward emotions and depth to a painting.