My Vivid Imagination: A Portrait of the Artist with her Muses
Artist
Catherine "Cappy" Thompson
(American, born 1952)
Date1997
MediumGlass and enamel
DimensionsOverall: 22 × 11 1/2 × 11 1/2 in. (55.9 × 29.2 × 29.2 cm)
ClassificationsGlass
Credit LineGift of Philip and Nancy Kotler, 2017
Object numberSN11582.15
Since the 1970s, Cappy Thompson has been painting vivid imagery on glass, creating a body of work that references her interests and studies in the spiritual traditions of the world. Working in the technique of reverse-painting on glass, the artist applies vitreous enamels on the interior surface of the vase and refires the glass multiple times to fuse the painted imagery to the surface. Here, the artist herself is depicted with glass blanks, or the vessel forms, that she decorates with dream-like scenes. Drawn to the symbolic imagery of world cultures and religious mythologies, Thompson incorporates a variety of spiritual characters that have been influential in her art and life. These figures all ride together in a chariot led by the winged horse, Pegasus, referencing the constellation and ancient Greek mythology. For Thompson, the Hindu god, Ganesha, with an elephant’s head, is meaningful as an obstacle remover who helps one get through life’s challenges. The artist’s interpretation of Guanyin, a Buddhist goddess, is wearing colorful robes as she pours rose petals into the artist’s hands and is representative of the divine feminine. Also, a round-faced woman is an anthropomorphized form of the moon, while spirit animals, including a dolphin and the artist’s deceased dog, Canus, guide and protect the artist. With a sense of wonder, the artist shares her imagination and creativity through her distinctive narrative imagery.
On View
On viewLocation
- Kotler-Coville Glass Pavilion, 1st floor, gallery, floor
Paul Gavarni
Probably 1839
1662-1722
1522-1566
1662-1722
