JAI Featured Member/November 2024
Cathy Weiss
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JAI Featured Member
Cathy Weiss
November 2024
JAI Featured Member
Cathy Weiss
November 2024
Los Angeles based artist Cathy Weiss was born in NYC and raised in Los Angeles. She holds a B.A. in art from the University of California, Santa Cruz and received a fellowship in printmaking from Pratt Institute for Graduate Studies in New York. Weiss’ work has received numerous awards and has been exhibited both nationally and abroad, including Craft Contemporary in Los Angeles, she is also in the public collections of MOAH and the Angell Foundation as well as many private collections. She has been awarded residencies in Spain, Morocco, Mexico, and India with an upcoming residency in Paris, France. She is well known for her many public and community projects.
Sun Days on Tuesdays – Learn More: BigSunday.org
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Artist Statement:
I am a visual artist with a practice both inside and outside my studio. Inside my studio I make intricate woodcut prints and mixed media paintings, constructions and installations that are metaphors for the layers of our humanity. My work is underpinned by myths, truths and stories shared by women across cultures to issues we face in today’s world. Stories that speak to our humanity, stories that address issues that we have faced throughout history and continue to. Like in a Tel which consists of layers of civilizations holding ancient tales, each new block carries forth from the blocks before but something new is added. A portal of time, a place to access these stories. I mark my woodblock figures in the way we tattoo our bodies allowing my ideas to live on and continue into the next work.
Waters of Strength, woodcut, 70″ x 50″ x 17″
LAX Flora and Fauna of Laurel Canyon
Laurel Canyon, Chaparral Habitat: Native Flora and Fauna
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Transgenerational Epigenetic Inheritance, a form of memory that is passed down generationally informs my process. I integrate memory existing in our DNA, inherited from those who came before, and will live on in those who come after. The residencies I have been awarded have informed my growth and the work I make.
Nature is integrated into each work both in context of addressing environmental issues as well as symbolism across time and place. Elements such as light, shadow and air play a part in the physical nature of the work transcending it into the metaphysical. Outside the studio I am committed to my public and community projects. I am the creator and director of the Mosaic Sun Project for the nonprofit Big Sunday. Big Sunday’s mission is to connect people through helping. The Mosaic Sun Project brings people together to create unique suns that are then donated to nonprofits throughout Los Angeles spreading joy. I am committed to making work that begins conversations and builds bridges in our global communities both in content and discipline.
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What Will You Do?, woodcut print, branches, 96″ x 240″ x 60″
Dreams Across the Pochote, woodcut print, rope, 87″ x 58″ x 14″
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CathyWeissInk.com | Email | Resume | Instagram | BigSunday.org | ArtworkArchive.com
Thank you!
About JAI
Jewish Artists Initiative (JAI) is a Southern California organization committed to supporting Jewish artists and arts professionals. JAI aspires to be an agent of transformative change by organizing provocative exhibitions and thoughtful programs promoting diverse dialogue about Jewish identity and experiences. Founded in 2004, JAI remains committed to fostering Jewish culture in our community and beyond.
MISSION AND HISTORY
JAI was conceived by the Jewish Community Foundation of Los Angeles in 2004. It was originally in partnership with the University of Southern California Casden Institute and the USC Roski School of Art and Design. For many years we have been under the fiscal sponsorship of the Center for Jewish Culture and Creativity. Members include primarily artists, as well as curators and art historians based in Southern California. The artists go through a jurying process to be admitted as members.
We have collaborated with a great range of Southern California institutions including American Jewish University, Hebrew Union College, UCLA Hillel and USC Hillel as well as a variety of art galleries and public spaces. We have also worked and exhibited in institutions in other parts of the United States and Israel such as the Jewish Art Salon, Hebrew Union College, New York, the New York UJA and the Jerusalem Biennale.
JAI BOARD MEMBERS
Bill Aron, Isaac Brynjegard-Bialik, Anne Hromadka Greenwald, Gilah Yelin Hirsch, Sagi Refael, Doni Silver Simons, Hillel Smith, Debra Sokolow, Ruth Weisberg, Cathy Weiss
How to Become a JAI Member: JAI welcomes applications for membership from artists and arts professionals. For how to apply and to view the selection criteria click on Join JAI in the navigation links at the top or bottom of any page. Questions: contact JAI at admin@jaisocal.org