Sag Harbor Artist's Spiritual Journey Reflected in Captivating Exhibit

Sag Harbor-based artist Cati Van Milders is set to present her solo exhibition, "Outlook," at Ashawagh Hall in Springs from September 20 to 22. The show will feature a diverse collection of her work, including paintings, collages, and three-dimensional pieces, that reflect her personal and artistic evolution over the years.

Exploring the Depths of the Human Experience through Vibrant Visuals

From Social Expressionism to Introspective Exploration

After earning her BFA in illustration from Parsons School of Design in 1987, Van Milders began her artistic career as a social expressionist, drawing people in public places and later translating those sketches into paintings, collages, and three-dimensional works. However, in 2003, the artist shifted her focus inward, using meditation and a therapeutic approach called hypno-introspection to explore her impressions, tensions, and emotions, which she then expressed through her art.

Overcoming Challenges and Embracing Spiritual Growth

Between 2016 and 2018, Van Milders faced a series of injuries and surgeries that interrupted her artistic journey. Despite these physical setbacks, she continued to use creative expression as a means of overcoming the emotional, physical, and existential challenges she encountered. This experience has profoundly influenced her work, which has become increasingly inspired by her spiritual quest and a more universal perspective.

Capturing the Essence of Nature and the Meditative Mind

Van Milders' recent paintings, which will be featured in the "Outlook" exhibition, reflect the light and energy she feels during her meditative practices. Her mandala-like works and landscape paintings convey a sense of space and oneness that she experiences in nature, allowing the viewer to share in the stillness and clarity she finds through deep introspection.

Exploring the Paradox of the Body and the Mind

The artist's work is a "heartfelt expression of [her] meditation and inner journey, deeply intertwined with [her] love for nature." Each painting, collage, and three-dimensional piece attempts to capture the essence of the natural elements, mirroring the stillness and clarity she finds in her own introspective process. Van Milders engages in a therapeutic journey, creating pathways to inner peace and self-discovery, and exploring the paradox of how the body can reveal truths that often elude the mind.

A Diverse and Captivating Exhibition

The "Outlook" exhibition at Ashawagh Hall will feature works from Van Milders' "Inner Voices" and "Astral Explorations" series, as well as landscapes of the Dolomites and her garden in Tuscany. Visitors will also have the opportunity to view pieces from the artist's earlier career, providing a comprehensive look at her artistic evolution and the deeply personal and spiritual journey that has shaped her work.