Proterfield and Weaver: Morality Tales at Firecat Projects
"The Crow and the Pitcher" by Kathy Weaver
Thanks to Firecat Project's Stan Klein, Mary Porterfield and Kathy Weaver were paired in this thoughtful, timely and emotionally charged exhibit Morality Tales, 2124 N. Damen, open until Mar. 18.
"Balancing Act" shows caregiver with all the strain on one woman with danger, depicted as animals, all around her
At a time when politics and day-to-day life, truth and fiction as well as greed and compassion are all at war in an intertwining environment of love and hate, this show visually depicts some of those battles and anomalies.
Porterfield, an occupational therapist, painted large canvases showing two levels, one close up the other in the distance. She concentrated on patients and their experiences.
Now caregivers are who she focuses on and her art is smaller, depicting mainly one or two issues. She questions:
- If assistance is warranted but not wanted, do you abandon it?
- If you face something uncontrollable, is it admirable to keep fighting to make a difference or is it better to accept what you can not change?
Turtles symbolize longevity. Crippled child on a skeleton, while elderly person is on a live turtle.
On paper she layers pastels, then uses charcoal and white charcoal to draw her animals and people. The mood created by her colors are soft, though the images may make the viewer cringe in pain or sadness.
Weaver's images are much more bold and colorful. It is no doubt that her inventor father and his work has influenced her art. There are birds "built" out of gears and other mechanical objects.
"The Wind and the Sun" by Kathy Weaver
Her focus is how people treat each other. She re-imagines Aesop's Fables to depict the good and the bad.
"In a time when connectedness and compassion seem absent in so many of the world’s tragedies, both artists provide an alternative viewpoint, concerned with how we can treat others in a more individualistic and respectful manner," says one of Firecat Project 's descriptions.
Mary Porterfield with "Remaining"
Kathy Weaver
Both artists have exhibited internationally and nationally. Porterfield continues to blend her work as a therapist with that as an artist. Weaver is concentrating full time following her arts career.
Firecat Projects is open Monday through Saturday from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. and by appointment. They may be reached by or by phone at 773.342.5381.