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Questions or Comments

for Joelle Cathleen

should be directed to:

info@joellecathleen.com

Art Attracts us only by what it reveals of our most secret self.

~Jean-Luc Godard~

A few years ago, if someone were to pose the question, "what is art"?, I would have said it depended on the artist, medium, style, theme, title, and if it would look good in my living room. If prompted the same question today, I would say art is an enigma that lives and breathes inside every human being, waiting to be fostered into various modes of expression. Regardless of whether it's something heard, seen, smelled, felt or even dreamed, art is an inspiring force void of physical representations. Art is a response, from both the artist and the viewer. It is personal and unique and that is what makes art so difficult to officially define. Art is what each individual makes of it. Whether it summons a faded memory, fear, vision, inspiration or even a simple nod and a smile, art is born when the gratification of the artist's intent is met with the personal response of the viewer. Nevertheless, the soul's response is what ultimately defines art.

I found my definition of art when I experienced the work of sculptor George Segal. His figurative sculptures opened the floodgates for inspiration in that it wasn't his actual sculptures that inspired me, but rather how I responded to them. I found a connection within my soul. Time stood still, I was lost in my being, and it was when an unexpected tear rolled down my cheek I had an epiphany. It wasn't the physical beauty of his work, but what they represented to me as an individual. Segal had his own reasons for creating, as I had my own reasons to become so emotionally involved. That moment was the first time in my life when I felt like I was beginning to understand who Joelle Cathleen was. It was then that I wanted to do the same with my work; not necessarily help every person who experiences my work to have the same personal awakening I had, but to arrest motion for a moment. Everyone has an art critic inside and when YOUR critic subconsciously responds to any work, try to not only hear but listen to what is being said. Find that driving force, and when you do, you'll come a little closer to finding your own definition of art. It is the force that compels one to contemplate, to feel, to remember, to act and react. It recounts past experiences and moments, guards one's intimate thoughts, and provides the key to open the door of a multitude of memories.

I don't expect anyone to look at my work and try to interpret what I was personally feeling at the time I created it. I invite free thought. My motivation in being an artist is not to express what I am trying to say to the world, but what you, the viewer, say to yourself when you experience what you see. I anticipate a silent response. One that no one can hear but you.

My purpose is to communicate. To reveal something new in what we as a society see, hear, think and feel around ourselves every day.; to make a spark that ignites a thought and burns a once forgotten memory into your soul.

There is a hidden path beyond the images I create.

Not everyone finds it or even cares to search for it.

But if you're one of those who do, then my purpose as an artist is fulfilled.

What you find on that path is your own fulfillment.

c o m m e n t s ?

Feel free to share your thoughts with me. Click 'Submit' when you are finished and remember to leave your e-mail address if you want me to respond.

Hometown: Stafford, VA.

Age: 37

Other Job: Bartender at Colonial Tavern.

w h y i p a i n t t r e e s

I've been asked numerous times why I enjoy painting

" bare" ( or dead ) trees....

Paying homage to my college years of studying, illustrating, and painting nudes and the human form, I have now transitioned to painting bare or "nude" trees as my primary focus. To me, a leafless tree is a tree in it's most vulnerable state, where the natural curves and structure are exposed to gaze at it's pure form. Like in painting the human form, one can more appreciate the the figure without the accompanying wardrobe.

My connection with trees stems from my childhood where my Mother's appreciation of the outdoors led us to many overnight hikes and camping trips throughout Maryland's expansive woodlands. I soon learned to associate any forest I encountered as my playground, my refuge. Forests provided a sanctuary of intrigue that would tempt me to investigate it's pathless grounds as an adolescent solo explorer. I never felt alone when I was trekking through the towering stalks, and always felt protected and secure by my awe inspiring company. I could sense the strength in their trunks, usually scarred but undaunted by injury, branches splayed giving endless combinations of climbing avenues and places to simply cradle in and gaze at the canopy above. These memories inspire and provide the detail in my tree scenes, and serve as a reflection of the inner peace, comfort and mystery I find in them still today. From my nudes, to trees and landscapes, my art is intended to become nothing more than an adventure where the viewer becomes an explorer of their unvoiced thoughts while taking in the painted environment. Although most of the scenes I create only exist on the canvas I paint, I hope the familiarity you find in each painting will speak to you and you alone.

m y l o v e o f t r e e s

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