Cass Catlett: Watercolor

In 2003 I began painting for the first time in my life. The beginning came after an epiphany that revealed an unconscious thought: “ I have always wanted to paint”. This came accompanied by much fear and trepidation; the usual apprehensions about jumping into the unknown, believing that I was not a “creative” person, not being able to live up to my own and others expectations etc. In short, the kind of jumble that we often keep in our heads that prevents us from stepping forward to embrace something that we say we really want....

The desire to paint, when awakened in me, was insistent and powerful. As I worked through this fear and decided to move ahead “no matter what”, I was amazed to discover a new world opening to me. Through initial watercolor classes I found that I could indeed paint. I found a passion for color pouring through me although I was a previously self-described earth-tone person. I quickly discovered that I would not be painting in a traditional realistic style. I am drawn to fluidity, mystery, whimsy and the alluring play between form and formless.

Color is the most important aspect of my painting; it makes me feel like dancing; it delights me. As I have evolved as a painter, I have found that the unknown beckons in my paintings. This is no small irony as it was also my greatest initial fear. It is my growing edge; it fuels my imagination and I find that in technique, color, subject matter and vision, I am always beckoned by this play of the obscure. My paintings show a progression in this direction; it makes my soul sing.

From the beginning, painting has been about feeling for me. When I paint I feel at one with myself and all else. I am in the moment. A successful painting is one that makes me feel happy, content, undivided, and serene. I am always gratified when others tell me that my paintings lift their spirits, it is exactly so with me.