Starting Point
Cathy-Mae Anderson Sees Art as an endless Ray of Life

By Angie Hargot

Her name is Cathy-Mae Anderson, but she goes by Lisa.
The nickname is short for Mellissa, the name of a soap opera actress her mother was smitten with. Born in Montego-Bay, Jamaica, Anderson moved to Long Island, New York at the age of 10. After high school, she moved to South Florida where she received her bachelor’s degree in fine art from the Miami International University of Art & Design.

Reinventing the cubist style with her own international flair, Anderson says she relates closely to the geometrical element known as the ray. “This line segment has a beginning and no end … The greatest thing about our imagination is that it’s limitless, with it we can make great magic!”

At 23 the artist has exhibited at the African American Museum in Hempstead, New York, the Miami Beach Convention Center and other local venues. She recently won first place in the ING Miami Marathon Running Man Project, and her work is currently on display in the ArtCenter South Florida Walgreen’s Window at 100 Lincoln Road, Miami Beach.
However, as she says, she’s just getting started.

How did it all start?
I am a dreamer. Always was and always will be. As a child, I was fascinated by my surroundings and music. I was spellbound by the different images I see and could create in the clouds (thinking out loud ‘what if I could paint the clouds pink and add glitter?’ ‘What if I could paint raindrops many colors?’). Even in the military march of ants as they carry their food on their backs; in fabrics, architectural design, thunderstorms, carnival and festivals.

How do you describe your artistic vision?
I create images that are mesmerizing and straight out of my imagination.

When did you decide to start working in Cubist and Abstract styles?
I attended Boces Cultural Arts Center in Syosset, New York during my senior year of high school. Our challenge was to sketch, then paint a life-sized model while he plays the bass, realistically in a still life setting. Time passed and everyone was painting while my paper remained blank. I felt defeated until I got this sudden urge to create. The room became a slow motion picture. As the professor spoke, her words seem to float on the sound the instrument was generating. I noticed shapes in the bass that were visible to me from the shadows the still light had formed on it. It was indescribable. My pencil moved so rapidly across the paper, trying to capture all that I was seeing. Shortly after the professor came over and asked how this came about. I explained to her in great detail what had taken place. She added, “Amazing, you found you. Cathy, you found your style!”

Tell us about the particulars of your work. What themes do you gravitate towards?
After visualizing an image in my head, I break up space rhythmically on tracing paper, before transferring it to its final painting state on canvas. These images are influenced by music, fashion, architectural design, lights, colors, shapes and patterns.
You say each of your paintings depicts a specific message. What are some of these messages, and how do you arrive at the desire to communicate them?
As an artist, I try to evoke feelings, emotions, thoughts, dreams and beauty onto a tangible surface, that stimulates curiosity, questions and reasons by viewers. For example, the painting titled “4 Musicians” features four musicians playing four instruments. In order to see the fourth instrument (a piano), the painting must be turned to landscape [orientation]. I also use letters from the English alphabet, which represents the specific sound that note will make from that instrument. The message is depicted through the use of images, words, beats, rhythm, melody and patterns.

The most flattering comment you’ve ever received about your work?
‘Your work belongs in a museum.’

The most insulting?
Truthfully, I haven’t experienced any negative remarks.

How does art change people?
Art makes you stop, think, question and examine both yourself and society. It may go to the point of having an individual re-evaluate their dreams, aspirations and morals. No matter the ethnicity, origin, gender or religion we are more similar than different.

What is next for you?
Continue polishing my skills. Challenging myself and having fun with what I love to do. Art is my passion and the universe my canvas — with each brushstroke my dreams, my life and destiny paint a canvas. At 23 years old, I have no intention of stopping. The story of Cathy-Mae Anderson has just begun.

Find out more at cathymaeanderson.com.

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