Life-Lines/Laugh-Lines

Catherine Gutsche, an Ottawa-based abstract artist, will be showcasing her latest work in a solo exhibition titled Life-lines/Laugh-lines from November 8–December 1 at Melt Studio + Gallery in Picton, Ontario. Catherine spent 18 years working as a webmaster and graphic designer and is now fully dedicated to her art practice where she focuses on exploring the intimate relationships between colour, texture, and pattern. Her work is held in private collections across Canada, the United States, and Europe.

As a process-driven painter, Catherine’s work is deeply inspired by nature’s transient characteristics and imperfections. Her technique involves layering, scratching back, rubbing away, and revealing textures that evoke the natural elements that inspire her, such as lichens, crumbling bricks, and rusting metals. In Life-lines/Laugh-lines, Catherine also delves into the symbolic visual language of lines and marks, exploring how they are as unique as handwriting or fingerprints. These gestural marks form a personal narrative, evoking layers of emotion and inviting viewers to embark on an intuitive journey.

“Life-lines/Laugh-lines” showcases Catherine’s dynamic works, which evolve organically through a process that mirrors nature’s transformations. Each piece offers a continuum of moods and stories, encouraging viewers to immerse themselves in her creative process and experience the improvisational beauty of the natural world.
Please join us for the opening reception of “Life-Lines” on November 9 from 1–4 pm. All are welcome!