Cathryn F Andrews

This is who I am: female, wife, mother, artist, seeker, survivor: sexual abuse survivor, incest survivor, alcoholic family survivor, emotional abuse survivor, religious teachings survivor. My painting played a significant role in my recovery. If you happen to be a survivor and need guidance, call The National Sexual Assault Hotline (1-800-656-4673). Know that with proper therapy, you can get better, you will laugh again, you will be able to tell your story without being shaken to your core. Happiness is within your grasp. One day you will give this message of hope to someone who is still in the dark. Shine your light on the world. It will love you for it.

I have been painting now for over 50 years. When I was in therapy, I happened upon the book, “Healing Your Inner Child” by Lucia Capacchione. Her approach to healing was a revelation to me. A tiny seed of an idea began to germinate and when fully developed, my painting style changed dramatically. I placed my paintbrush in my left, untrained hand. I decided to paint the very images that arose in my mind. The images were primitive and child-like. I was so afraid of painting that way, I shut myself in my studio and locked the door behind me. I told myself I could burn the left-hand paintings before anyone saw them! Finally, with a blank canvas before me and an unrefined image in my mind, I began to paint with my non-dominate hand. A whole new world opened up! It allowed images I once tried to suppress to arise, study and feel the pain and confusion. With this method, I began to explore the childhood sexual assaults. I no longer tried to hide them from myself. Painting led me on a journey from the darkness of abuse to the joy of rediscovery. This was real painting: my life, my story, my contribution to the world as an artist, as a genuine human being.

This method allows me to access the memories of real people, places and events from childhood. Some hilarious; some tragic and some politically insensitive and antisocial; just how an impulsive child might see and react to events, people and places—raw and unedited.

Now I can interpret contemporary images in a fresh, new way. I continue to use my right hand for more realistic painting but now I use my left hand for drawing and rendering the many primitive images you see here on this website.

I hope you enjoy your stay in my little world of painting. Bring your friends.