Today we’d like to introduce you to Catherine Jacobi.
Catherine, please kick things off for us by telling us about yourself and your journey so far.
From as early as I can remember I was attracted to abandoned objects. I brought them home, I collected, I cherished. Not to be mysterious, but I walked home from grade school and picked up any stray object I found; pieces of wood, metal, car parts, etc. They were strays…meaning, that they needed me. I saved them. Objects like twine and wire were in need and my father wisely threw most of them out.
The importance of this seems to be revealed in the compassion I feel for the materials I use in my work. Discarded, valueless fragments of the past are what I am most drawn to.
Fast forward, I am drawn to studying sculpture. I get my BFA from Drake University and my MFA from Cranbrook Academy of Art.
Can you give our readers some background on your art?
Most recently my work has been influenced by poet Richard Wilbur’s comment about writing poetry.
“I do think it’s almost always true that a poem begins when two things, perhaps an inner thing and an outer thing which hadn’t been together before, suddenly converge and feel as if they wanted to make something new.”
In this work, everyday objects from the simplest and most overlooked places reference basic human nature and anatomy. Years of collected newspapers, photos, kitchen tables and chairs, outboard propellers, and baby shoes, all bound to be discarded or at the very least dismissed, leverage the “something new.”
Starting these conversations in the vernacular, engages what one already knows, juxtaposes and constructs. It is a common commentary that the constancy of objects, which endure in our memories, only ever change.
What responsibility, if any, do you think artists have to use their art to help alleviate problems faced by others? Has your art been affected by issues you’ve concerned about?
I think it is more vital than ever to be genuine and true to the emotional responses an artist has. It has become a true commodity to be instinctual. I think art and artists need to act as beacons for what is around them and what may be coming. I do my best to work with intent, and from there authenticity should emerge.
What’s the best way for someone to check out your work and provide support?
My current upcoming exhibition is “eco-ART” at The Art Center-Highland Park, May 18-June 25.
Details at: https://theartcenterhp.org/future-exhibits
Updates on my work and upcoming exhibitions can be seen at catherinejacobi.com.
I am represented by Aron Packer from Aron Packer Projects (formerly Packer Schopf Gallery in Chicago). http://www.packergallery.com
Contact Info:
- Address: Chicago, Illinois
- Website: catherinejacobi.com
- Email: catherine@catherinejacobi.com
- Instagram: @jacobisculpture
Image Credit:
James Prinz
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