Vangi Cathcart,
resident Sumi-e Artist
featured in February.
Opening Reception
Friday, 6-8
at the Joyful Jewel
The Years of the Snake
1929, 1941, 1953, 1965, 1977, 1989,
2001, 2013
Snakes, they don’t make me joyful. When I was younger I could not
even look at them in a picture. As a child we had a huge dictionary that voluntarily
would open to a page of snakes and it would give me the creeps. I would slam it
shut instantaneously with a high pitched shriek.
I am a Simi-e Artist, which is painting nature subjects with ink
and watercolor on rice paper. Because of my art I am also interested in Asian
culture. This interest has led me to follow the Chinese Astrological signs for
the birth years. . The last two years I painted and exhibited the rabbit and
the dragon on the years 2011 and 2012 at the Joyful Jewel. To celebrate the
2013 Chinese New Year, which is February 10th, I have chosen
February to exhibit the first Friday at the Joyful Jewel.
In keeping with my
tradition this 2013 New Year I checked the astrological signs. I was startled to discover that the
Astrological symbol for 2013 is the snake “eeeek”. Oh dear so I have chosen to
do the sign of the snake. Why couldn’t
it have been a cute little dog or even and old goat?
Researching the snake, I came across pictures that reminded me
of the dictionary in my youth. Ugh. Trying to keep positive I thought of good
old Disney, keep it light comical. Also when I reminisce about the east I think
about painting mystical snakes. Well I managed to come up with 7 snakes I could
handle, “Yikes not literally.”
Won’t you face your fears or tickle your fancy and join me for
an early Chinese new year celebration. Come see my version of snakes the First
Friday at the Joyful Jewel. Refreshment served? Yes, but I promise you it won’t
be snake meat.
Art By Vangi
