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ARTIST INFORMATION SHEET
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Artist |
Catherine Jo Morgan |
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Philosophy
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I make art for aliveness - to experience full, vibrant
aliveness myself, and to embody this energy of aliveness in the artwork. Vessel forms are ideal for this, since bowls
are about holding and releasing. So my sculptures grow around vessel
forms. I use iron because nothing looks more dead to start with. When I
can show the life in the iron – that dance of electrons inside, that
sacred fire – then that energy of aliveness becomes more available in
the world. |
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Style |
Vessel of Energy™ Sculptures - Abstract expressionist
sculptures centered on vessel forms – using iron, paper, or mixed media. |
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Technique
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I actually use a similar process in making sculpture, as
I use in designing and leading workshops with people. My aim is to
facilitate a process that’s in harmony with the one Process.
So I set myself aside and let what wants to happen flow
through me. If I design, I design well and then let the design go.
There’s always a point in a workshop and in a sculpture at which there’s
a crucial choice: keep control so it will "turn out right" or open it up
to the winds of the Holy Spirit (and hold on for the ride!)
With the bowls, I have a sense that the Bowls –
a body of work – already exist on some other plane, and want me to make
them. So I work to make each bowl as it wants to be made. I like to
believe that the energy of each bowl is needed by someone, at the time
I'm led to make it.
Sometimes sculptures are formed and colored
spontaneously from start to finish. Other times, the process starts with
music, dance, analog painting and progresses through full scale sketches
and small maquettes before the sculpture is begun.
I use traditional and modern blacksmithing techniques to
forge iron, cut it with an oxy-acetylene torch, gas of MIG weld it. I
love iron and look for "found pieces" in scrap yards too.
I use Unryu "Cloud Dragon" paper as well as archival
watercolor papers. The paper is torn, cut, painted, often molded with an
archival paper mache process. Copper mesh is cut, bent, sewn into shape
with copper wire. Often gemstones spheres and beads are added, along
with crystal and metal beads, soft wires and cords, and copper rods. No
material or process is excluded if the piece seems to want it. |
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Background |
Early career in social psychology, as consultant leading
workshops in personal growth and conflict resolution. Second career as
artist blacksmith led to focus on sculptures centered on vessel forms.
Now incorporates paper and other materials with iron to make vessel
sculptures. |
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Publications |
"The Contemporary Blacksmith," Dona Meilach, Schiffer
Press, 2000, pp. 152-3 – three iron vessels in full color. |
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Venues |
Galleries & website – prices the same at both. I'm
seeking gallery representation for iron and mixed media vessels. |
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Prices |
Vessels $180 to $380; smaller gift items less |
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More about Catherine Jo Morgan:
Press Release
Artist Information Sheet
Artist Statement
Bio
One Page Resume
Full Resume
Chronology
The Studio
Early Journal on Process
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