media is used wine corks, in a private collection, Minnesota
installation view, private collection, MN
Artist Statement
My interpretation of Leonardo da Vinci’s iconic portrait of a Florentine woman repurposes used wine corks. On the one hand corks seem fun and inconsequential but adding my in-depth knowledge of art history to my creation replicates the subtlety of light and dark typical in Leonardo’s Renaissance paintings.
Corks naturally range in contrasts. The monochromatic array of corks provides a selection for matching exactly the imperceptible edges of chiaroscuro. We know Leonardo preferred early morning studio light because of how it revealed soft contrasting contours. Hopefully, I have demonstrated a respect for Leonardo mastery of sfumato or smoky contrasts. The artwork title originates from 1503. Lisa or “Monna” (from ma donna) is how the sitter was addressed as wife of Giocondo. Kattas, 2024
NEW ARTWORK IN PROGRESS
A three-dimensional, approximately 28” x 40” work executed in recycled bottle corks, to be an interpretation of the Minnesota Common Loon with a baby on her back. The challenge is using monochromatic cork to emphasize pattern.
Drawing on free access uploaded loon image
