These twenty-one works on paper presented by Cathy Sarkowsky as part of the “Art Becomes Us” exhibit at Vashon Center for the Arts are part of an ongoing series examining “the desire to be special” – a very human desire that ranges from striving for excellence, distinction and recognition to narcissism and egotism.

As an artist who puts her work out into the world, Sarkowsky experiences both vulnerability and strength in this desire to stand out, to create beauty and meaning, to be appreciated, all the while understanding that art is highly subjective, and that rejection is very much a part of the experience of being an artist.

Using highly decorative vintage brooches as a metaphoric point of departure, these delicate paintings reference an embellishment typically worn to be noticed, to call attention. They prompt a desire to be seen, to be special. Graphite lines form the solid structure of each image, with watercolor often spreading beyond those lines, signifying the control and chaos that comes from being human and experiencing the full spectrum of the desire to be special.