MUNTHE ART MONDAY: CATHY TABBAKH
Name: Cathy Tabbakh
Website: www.cathytabbakh.com
Instagram: @cathytabbakh
Please introduce yourself and tell us about what you do.
I’m Cathy Tabbakh, a French artist working between France and the UK. I mainly paint, but I also make ceramic objects inspired by my paintings. I mostly paint still-lifes with shadows, interior and botanical portraits in general. I focus my work on colours and their power over our mood.
Could you explain more about how being a woman has affected your career?
Over time, I have surrounded myself with a strong female artist community, especially on social media. I think it’s important nowadays for women to support each other, we all learn every day on how to be an artist. I feel like the sense of community has given me some confidence in my work. I often discuss frustration, new tools/materials to use with other artists and I love it!
Can you name some other female (artist) that inspires you and explain why they do so?
I admire the works of Louise Bourgeois, Alice Neel, Barbara Hepworth, Georgia O’Keeffe, Lisa Brice, Claire Tabouret, Chloe Wise and many others... They all have a strong identity in their work and explore things to the fullest which I find very inspiring and motivating.
What has been the most challenging aspect of being a female artist?
I would maybe say the social media aspect at first. Although I have now surrounded myself with a strong community of female artists, it wasn’t that easy at first. A lot of artists put themselves out there very confidently and in a very natural way but I personally struggle with that aspect. I do not particularly enjoy documenting every single step of a painting in the making or my everyday move. I think people have to use social media in a way that keeps them sane and this is very personal to each individual. With time, I am now finding more balance and harmony with what I want to show and share.
If you could own one piece of art, what would it be and why?
It’s very hard to choose one! But I would then have to say “Les Poissons Rouges” by Henri Matisse. It’s simple, bold and hypnotic and it inspired me a lot in my work.
