Cathy O'Keefe

Biography

Cathy O'Keefe's paintings have been featured in galleries and cultural centers including the Dorsky Museum in New Paltz, New York; the Steinberg Museum in LI, New York; the IMAGO Gallery in Warren, Rhode Island; Medford Arts in Medford, New Jersey; and the Gallery @ Paragon in Phoenixville, Pennsylvania. In New York City her work has been exhibited at numerous venues, including the Pictor Gallery, Pleiades Gallery, Ceres Gallery, Taller Boricua, P.S. 109, Blue Mountain Gallery, Carter Burden Gallery; and the Greenpoint Gallery. 

In addition, O'Keefe's work is in public and corporate collections including those of the Justice Center of Southeast Massachusetts in Brockton; Tri-Valley Transit in Middlebury, Vermont; the North Suffolk Mental Health Association in Chelsea, MA; and Eliot Community Human Services in Lynn, Massachusetts. 

She taught painting to seniors as part of a CAC grant and to seniors at Covello/Carter Burden Network and the YM/WHA in Manhattan. She is an active member of the New York Artists Circle, the Northern Manhattan Arts Alliance, and, the New York Society of Women Artists.

Artist statement

Many of my paintings move from abstract to interpreted realism. All my work celebrates color and movement. Using a wide variety of palettes, I construct joyous, dynamic paintings and experiment with explosive forms of color. I enjoy working on larger canvases using tools other than brushes, such as painting scrapers, old credit cards, and treasures that I often find at the hardware store.

In contrast, my monotypes are delicate, painterly, and quiet. I make monotypes using different techniques, such as monoprints, gelli prints, watercolor prints, and mixed media prints. Sometimes, I add other materials to a “finished” print, such as gouache. Likewise, I have tried adding substances to two plates, wrapped them together with saran wrap, and after a week or two rolled each through the printer. The results are always surprising, often happily so.

Regardless of the “style” employed, I experience painting as a meditative process where materials lead the way. I sense my life force flowing through me while creating art. I love the serenity I feel inside while painting. My ideas originate from the unconscious and my inspiration lies in the colors themselves.

My hope is that viewers will experience joy when looking at my paintings. Most of all, though, I want viewers to see what they see and not be influenced by any preconceived notions I may have. I do title my paintings, but I am hesitant to do so because I don’t want to interfere in the viewer’s ideas and emotions. At the same time, I hope that the titles may serve to guide, thus making the works more accessible.