Featured Artist Cathleen Klibanoff

Artist Cathleen Klibanoff presents a fascinating collection of highly textural resin sculptures and sculptural paintings. Visit her website to see more of her work.

 

 

My love of texture started very early in life. At the time it was the satin edge of my baby blanket. Thankfully, I no longer suck my thumb, but I continue to be deeply attached to all things tactile.

 

 

Texture for me also represents the layers of a story offering a glimpse into my history of experience and beliefs. One of my latest collections, Angels of Mercy, was created during the pandemic. I felt like we all needed an infusion of loving kindness. Personally, I faced the loss of my studio mascot Moses and learned my mother had stage four cancer. The three angels Compassion, Patience and Humility helped mend my broken heart.

 

 

My sculptural portraiture, whether human or animal, conveys strength with equal parts vulnerability. I intentionally leave the circle “open” as an invitation to the viewer’s imagination—a visual game of Mad Lib. I believe we are all works in progress—a beautiful accumulation of reflections and imperfections.

 

 

As a sculptor, I don’t necessarily know how the story will turn out, but the journey is always a fascinating process. With each collection I have an overarching intention. However, every individual piece seems to have its own agenda.

 

 

I am a self-taught sculptor. I don’t feel obligated to follow prescribed rules and manage my expectations. This allows a higher power to inspire and redirect.

 

 

Prior to becoming a full-time artist, I was an executive in the music industry. I became adept at putting puzzle pieces together, such as introducing singer/songwriters with musicians and producers. That trajectory continued when I reinvented myself as a life coach, which I did for over twenty years. I love to nurture desire into realized vision.

 

 

I am a conduit more than a commander. The key ingredient is vulnerability. As frightening as that can be when I’m deep in the mud of creating, it’s what allows intimacy to colonize, and with intimacy the connection is formed.

 

 

My heart-centered desire as a creator is to express my gratitude for the archive of brilliant minds that blazed the trail. I blend in a playful light and love and sharing that robust energy with those around me.

 

 

Along with my passion for art, I am a wannabe mycologist. Mycology is the study of mushrooms. I am particularly fascinated with mycelium, the progenitors of those bodacious fruiting bodies. Mycelium are decomposers, breaking down and reconstituting in service to our diverse ecosystem. Mycelium are a conduit not only for nutrients but they serve as an underground information highway connecting trees and other plants. This helps them share resources and warning of toxins or predators.

 

 

Much like the mycelium, I am the seamstress gathering my materials, arranging them into a playlet. My art functions as Greek chorus, aiding the viewer with additional commentary and insight. I have so much I want to tell you.

 

Artist Cathleen Klibanoff invites you to follow her on Instagram and her portfolio on Pixels.

 

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