Kathy Skerritt: Bridging the Gap Between Surface and Substance Vision
By Benjamin Szweda

Situated high in a lofted old church on East 25th Street and Superior Avenue is the spacious studio of internationally known artist Kathy Skerritt. Upon climbing the steps to the entrance of her studio, one is met with an unmistakable feeling of tranquility. Kathy arranged the space herself according to the beliefs of her practice, which she compares to a type of yoga. Workbenches and lighted displays of finished work fill the room along with a large water element, which Kathy considers a necessary part of the studio's main floor. Indeed, the trickling and splashing of water hitting stone surrounds one with a feeling of serenity. The walls of the lofted room above the studio have been covered with canvases at times and, according to Kathy, the room is filled with many diverse energies left behind by previous occupants. This space is primarily a place for Kathy to think before creating exceptional, mentally overwhelming pieces of three-dimensional art in the studio downstairs.

Kathy's love for art began at a young age. While in grade school, a time when most people are just beginning to experience the world, Kathy already had developed a love for art. Throughout elementary and high school, creative projects and art classes were a part of this budding artist's life. In the 1970s she enrolled in Carnegie-Mellon University as a painting major. Even before becoming a professional artist, Kathy worked in a liberal-arts field for more than 15 years as the manager and development officer for a non-profit institution of higher learning. During this time Kathy's love for art and a desire to create a statement through painting developed.

The variant dimensions of Kathy's art are intended to give expression to the multiple states-of-being that exist in all objects. Multiple colors, textures and degrees of light synchronize and appear to the individual as either biological, geological or anatomical objects, depending upon her intention and plan.

Kathy's most recent 300-canvas display, Condensation, is an awe-inspiring body of work. Comprised of both bright and dark blues, deep purples and varying shades of green and gold, Condensation is impossible to describe in mere words. The works are displayed on a single, central, inwardly-curved wall; an arrangement that is intended to cause viewers to interact with the piece and to encourage them to see the painting from different vantage points.

Kathy has displayed her art at shows in New York City, Chicago, Philadelphia and several cities in California. She also was one of only 20 artists from around the world to be invited to participate in Ontario Canada's Colours of Freedom, an international co-operative fundraiser for Children's Peace Initiatives. More often than not, Kathy simply exhibits her work out of her 7,000-square-foot studio and exhibition space in Cleveland. However, she recently finished a solo exhibition at the Beachwood Arts Center.

Responses from past clients demonstrate the connection people have with Kathy's art. One such delighted client enthused, “Each piece shows a work in progress of the human spirit and the pieces together show us that life is a work in progress – at its best or at its worst or whatever we want to make of the opportunity.”

Still another felt, “Kathy's work draws me into deep spiritual thought releasing tension in my mind and body by summonsing emotions not often utilized. It is a cleansing experience, if you will.”

While Kathy does not represent the quintessential artistshe does not have a commercial store and does not desire “commercial success, but cultural change”her method of creating her artwork is done on a unique, deep and caring level. When Kathy designs her pieces she uses different processes. Her art is not simply painted onto the canvas; it is built onto the canvas. As she explains, this makes “removing the paint just as big a part of the process” as adding it. The result is a multi-dimensional creation that Kathy hopes will cause the viewer to contemplate the idea that “there is no single point-of-view that conveys the truth of a painting” or the meaning of life.

As each of her paintings is created and built, Kathy Skerritt feels she is fulfilling her calling, her “spiritual imperative.” Unlike other artists, she entered this profession out of a pure love for art. But Kathy also considers it a calling. It is when people understand her positionwhen the spiritual message comes through her artthat she finds the most fulfillment in her work. Kathy also attempts to communicate what she calls her “body imperative,” the internal pressure of the images and feelings she experiences as she creates the piece.

“My work must, in the end, be about the transcending of ego in such a way that whatever is potentially universal in the art will become visible to the viewer, no matter his or her prior point-of-view. When this operative dynamic is met, it is then that "I love my job,” asserts Kathy Skerritt.

Kathy Skerritt's studio is located in the Old Red Church at 2445 Superior Avenue in Cleveland. To view her work or to purchase a piece of art, contact her via e-mail at Kathy@kathyskerritt.com or in her studio at (216) 781-1833. Visits to her studio are by appointment only. For more information about Kathy Skerritt or her upcoming events, visit www.kathyskerritt.com.

Benjamin Szweda can be reached at writerfeedback.bjs@mac.com.