A Picture Says a Thousand Words

 

Inspired by all things St. Mary’s, Carolyn Cates ’94 gifted a one-of-kind piece of art to complete the new Moss Hall lobby. Cates is a talented mixed-media artist, but her artistic journey began with an unexpected origin: words.

Carolyn knew from a young age that she was an avid reader who also loved to create.

“The library in Moss Hall is where I fostered my love of reading,” Carolyn said. “In second grade, we would make bookworms out of paper links, and each link represented a book you had read. I remember mine went all the way around the room.”

During her later years in Upper School, Carolyn read the work of romantic poets and great authors of early English literature, studying generations of classic texts with renowned St. Mary’s teacher, Mrs. Mary Hills “Presh” Gill. Between the lines of “Beowulf ” and the works of poet Geoffrey Chaucer, Carolyn discovered a love for storytelling.

While pursuing an English degree at Vanderbilt University, Carolyn’s love for reading turned the page on other passions. “While at Vanderbilt, I took a few studio art classes and realized I loved art history,” Carolyn recalled. “I was always interested in that and archeology. I guess it’s all kind of connected.”

Fully immersed in her newfound interests, Carolyn began painting. At first, she started with acrylic abstract florals, but quickly found her way to collage – a medium that blended English and art. “With my love of words, I started wanting my artwork to mean something in the background,” Carolyn commented.

Pulling pages from books she loves, children’s literature, hymns, and memorabilia, Carolyn places subtle text and imagery throughout her pieces, adding a rich depth to the work she creates. She incorporates collected items, such as whimsical bakery to-go bags and old newspapers and journals from the Western United States, into her artwork.

In her repurposing of items, Carolyn’s collages serve a greater purpose. Just like Moss Hall’s transformation, she gives timeworn artifacts new life, making them shine brighter than they did before.

After being asked to create a piece for Moss Hall, Carolyn saw an opportunity to represent St. Mary’s Lower School – the old and the new. “I took a tour of Moss Hall, and when I saw the library, I started thinking about my favorite books as a child, as well as the ones I read to my children when they were little. So many of them involved a meadow,” she reflected.

Pulling inspiration from “Over in the Meadow” by Olive A. Wadsworth, “The Runaway Bunny,” and “Wait Til the Moon is Full,” both by Margaret Wise Brown, Carolyn painted a scene to represent Moss Hall: a place of hope, learning, and happiness.

Carolyn’s scene, a meadow with light from both the moon and the sun, words from prayers and songs held dear to St. Mary’s, and little girls at play, is now displayed proudly in the Moss Hall lobby. It is a warm greeting to friends old and new, a reminder of the good things that grow at St. Mary’s.

Much like her collages, Moss Hall gathered the right fragments of Carolyn’s life, fitting them together into something brighter and more meaningful, shaping her into the generous artist she is today.

As Carolyn reminds the next generation of creatives, “You’re never too old to start. I didn’t start putting my work out there until later in life, but it was well worth it. Don’t worry about what others will think – just have fun and do it.”