A Chat with Cathey White

I met Cathey after I opened the gallery. I forget who introduced us, but I knew the moment I met her that we'd have a great relationship. She's exhibited her work in the gallery a few time before this exhibit, she supports other events I have here and she's really just an all around great person. That's one of the biggest things I look for in an artist : what kind of person they are. I think the art is an immediate reflection of who a person is which the audience can feel determining if they purchase the work or just walk by it. Cathey sold 3 pieces on her opening night :)

I sat down with Cathey for a little Q & A ...

What’s one everyday moment that always brings you nostalgia?

The sound of the ice cream man rolling down my block.

If your art had a soundtrack, what song or artist would it be?

Jingles and Chimes (The Mister Softee Soundtrack)

What’s a childhood object or photo you still think about?

My mom gave me a photo of me at 1 years old drawing with a red crayon. I lost it in my last move and it was super faded, with my image almost gone, but I always think of it.

Do you see your work as capturing Philly right now or preserving Philly’s past?

Preserving Philly’s past with a nod to the things that are ever lasting.

When you layer paint or media onto your work, what story are you adding?

I think I am adding a story of where we have been, what we have experienced and how. I’m adding the story of celebrating beauty and significance of the commonplace. I want to spark memory, nostalgia…stopping the viewer for just a moment in time to pause and feel.

What’s the first thing in Philly you’d show someone visiting for the first time?

Reading Terminal

In one word, what do you want people to feel when they look at your work?

Nostalgic

Go Birds! | 24 x 36 | Acrylic on wood | $1,500

Shop Cathey's collection below!

Cathey White Collection