Momentum Artist: Cathey Love

Cathey Love, Sacrifice I, Acrylic, 14"x18"

Q: What was the concept behind your Momentum artwork?

Love: My cat decided to leave me a “gift” by my car in the form of a dead bird.  I started to discard of the bird, at the same time thinking what a waste it was for its death to be inconsequential.  I realized what a unique opportunity it was to examine this songbird up close and at length, and I decided that something beautiful should come of its loss. 

Cathey Love, Sacrifice II, Acrylic, 14"x18"

Q: Explain the technique and/or process you used to create your Momentum work.

Love: I wanted to capture the subtle tonal changes in the sandstone rock that I had used for a background, so I built up glazes with the acrylic to achieve the right look.  I was really happy with the first sandstone background I made, but in my head I felt it had become too dark in value to work well for the colors of the bird.  That is how I ended up with a companion piece; I decided to use a blue jay image for more contrast with the original background, and I made a slightly lighter-valued background to better accommodate the original bird image.  I tried to keep a detailed, realistic style to do justice to the intricacies of the bird feathers and keep with the delicate nature of the birds.

Momentum Tulsa opens with an event October 9 with live music, performance and visual art by 52 young Oklahomans.  The opening is Saturday, October 9, 8-Midnight at Living Arts, 307 E. Brady in Tulsa. The exhibition remains on display until October 23. Learn more or buy tickets here.