Reviews
May/June 2015
Linda Cato at Gallery Azul, Tucson
May/June 2015
Linda Cato at Gallery Azul, Tucson
Linda Cato’s works on paper currently showing at Gallery Azul in Tucson share a riot of color, shape and rhythm for us to savor. The collage paintings invite us to enter Cato’s verdant and joyful world. Her exhibit is appropriately titled Terra Anima which translates as “earth soul” in Italian. This is an appropriate title because the works present as rich and vibrant artistic ecologies of living organisms that contribute to Earth’s whole.
Cato’s process of art-making involves pre-processing of the papers she uses in collage paintings. “I stain the paper with pigment. There are no toxins involved. I make the glue, too. It’s a rice glue, and I use Japanese ink. I wanted something that was really minimal and simple and push the boundaries of what those simple basic materials can do.”
Cato’s process of art-making involves pre-processing of the papers she uses in collage paintings. “I stain the paper with pigment. There are no toxins involved. I make the glue, too. It’s a rice glue, and I use Japanese ink. I wanted something that was really minimal and simple and push the boundaries of what those simple basic materials can do.”
LCato_Water's Edge_
The paintings have botanical themes that reveal plant forms thriving in different ecosystems. In addition to the plant life, it is easy imagine animal forms, too. Can you see fish and lizards and coral and anemones and even maybe a panther or two - in among the plants? Water is an underlying theme as we might expect in such a rich environment.
Cato’s dedication to using non-toxic materials comes from her interest in environmental issues, and even more so because of her other life as a teacher. She is artist-in-residence and assistant director/visual arts specialist at Western Institute for Leadership Development. Cato speaks enthusiastically about her work as a teacher and the positive impact that art-making has on her students. Her dedication to using non-toxic materials extends into the studio classroom as well.
(click on images to enlarge)
Cato’s dedication to using non-toxic materials comes from her interest in environmental issues, and even more so because of her other life as a teacher. She is artist-in-residence and assistant director/visual arts specialist at Western Institute for Leadership Development. Cato speaks enthusiastically about her work as a teacher and the positive impact that art-making has on her students. Her dedication to using non-toxic materials extends into the studio classroom as well.
(click on images to enlarge)
LCato_Seed Dance_
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LCato_Terra Anima_
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“I want to make art for people to appreciate the natural work but not leave a footprint at the same time,” Cato explains.
Cato’s exhibit will be on display through May at Gallery Azul located in the 6th and 6th arts district just a few doors east of Davis Dominguez and Contreras Art Galleries. |
In
a time when we constantly hear about galleries closing and art budgets
being slashed to the bone, Gallery Azul is a bright spot on the Tucson
scene. Gallery Azul is the exhibition space for the Artists’ Studio
Cooperative. Although it’s only been open a few months, Gallery Azul has
already mounted regular exhibits of artwork both by members and
non-members of the cooperative. The artists and Gallery Azul also
participate in First Saturday Art Walks. Adding Gallery Azul to your
list as a good venue to visit is recommended.
See more of Linda Cato’s art at http://www.lindacato.net/
Learn more about Gallery Azul and the Artists Studio Cooperative at http://www.artiststudiocoop.com/
See more of Linda Cato’s art at http://www.lindacato.net/
Learn more about Gallery Azul and the Artists Studio Cooperative at http://www.artiststudiocoop.com/
