"To be a real friend, it requires effort, you have to be intentional and it’s not easy," says artist Frances McCarty. "Friendship is about lifting each other up and needs reciprocal effort. It’s also ageless and can come in all shapes and sizes. In pretty much every aspect of life, I think that quality is way more important than quantity."
Her friend, Catherine Courtney, runs a gym out of her home and has collected a wide range of clients. Courtney welcomes all her clients into her home, and despite the early mornings, squats and planks she has transformed the misery of working out into an experience that feels more like belonging to a chosen family. One day after a workout, clients and friends Anna Hand and Ashley Ryals suggested giving Catherine a gift from the group. That quickly morphed into one of the most intentional and thoughtful gifts, a painting that the whole group could participate in together.
Sixteen ladies participated over a series of months to create the art and named it “CeCe”, Catherine's nickname. The original is mixed media on a 36x48” canvas. Everything in McCarty's studio was used - acrylic, ink, spray paint, oil sticks, water soluble crayons, sharpie, gilding wax, paint pens, gold foil and more. McCarty reflects, "There are elements that represent Catherine, her passion, and the relationship that she has with each individual throughout the piece."
The piece is also embellished with the following phrase on the back: “A collective expression of unity, creativity, and gratitude. Each brushstroke represents a unique voice, forming a powerful whole. It reminds us that art, like life, is beautifully imperfect and full of possibilities.”
To say that this gift is a physical manifestation of a group’s collective love for one another is an understatement. What is even more special about this piece is that it will continue its legacy of giving by donating the net proceeds of all CeCe prints to Catherine’s charity of choice, the National Children’s Advocacy Center.
The idea of a collective piece meant that the group needed to work on something that would allow all people and skillsets to feel comfortable making marks on the canvas. "That is the most intimidating thing about painting – having the confidence to start." McCarty continues, "I wanted the ladies to feel confident that even their smallest mark would help the development of the piece. Earlier in the year, Anna had shared a digital image of an abstract face that I thought of immediately as a good launching point for this group to use as inspiration. It was based on a graffiti style with lots of color, bold lines, and layers within the piece. Perfect for sixteen women to add their own flare. There is something cathartic and freeing about turning on music and working with friends on a gift for someone else. It was a blast to see these ladies let loose, find their groove and enjoy the process."
Courtney always says the greatest gift you can give is your time. "I value friendship by the level of kindness and effort someone is willing to invest back into said relationship," says McCarty. "The fact that each of these ladies took time out of their very busy schedules (during the holidays no less!) to come to the studio to work on a gift is amazing to me. Sixteen business owners, managing partners, sub-contractors, elected officials, board representatives, entrepreneurs, mamas, grandmothers, friends, and an assistant US attorney for goodness sake all carved out that time. If that is not an exemplary statement of friendship, I don’t know what is."
On friendship, Courtney says, "I’ve learned that it’s okay and expected for relationships to ebb and flow, and to enjoy the people that God has put in your path today. The friendships that have the foundation of mutual admiration, grace and respect will stand the test of time."
When the big reveal happened, Courtney's emotions could not be contained. "To say I was completely shocked would not be an understatement. It was Christmas Eve morning and I was expecting 3 or 4 of my brave regulars for a workout before jumping into our family holiday time. I was running downstairs with the music in hand ready to get started and when I turned the corner, I was completely surprised by some of my very favorite people in the whole world. Speechless for me is a BIG deal- but there we were!"
"As I tried to get my bearings, through giant, ugly tears, I scanned the group and found myself thinking, I see them all here collectively, but do they even know each other? "
As usual, Frances reigned us in and got my attention focused on the painting. I remember at the time just asking no one in particular, “how did this happen?” and “you guys know each other?” and “what are YOU doing here for an early workout?”
As the story unfolded, Courtney learned how Frances, Ashley and Anna were able to connect the dots and find people that they had not met but they knew that I worked with them and cared for them deeply. Courtney says, "The nature of my work is very personal and even more so intimate because it’s in my home. As such, the relationships built have many layers." Courtney continues, "I am so fortunate to only work with people who I genuinely care for and adore. The energy in my space is sacred and I always want people to be comfortable (as much as possible when working out) so we have a strictly good vibes only policy."
CeCe now lives in Courtney's studio. "I love her being where I spend the majority of my day, and I find myself getting lost in it and finding new things that I’ve never seen before every time I look at it! It’s truly a gift that continues to give." Courtney recalls, "Just recently I was working with one of my male clients who asked about the origin of the painting, and I couldn’t even tell the story without my eyes filling with tears. It is truly the most thoughtful, true demonstration of love in the form of a gift that I’ve ever received."
As an artist, McCarty gives her time, creativity and heart into each piece. "By giving artwork as a gift you are truly giving a piece of yourself. Think about it. From the doodles your child gave you back in preschool to the curated pieces that have been handed down through generations. Each piece is precious in the giver’s eye."
CeCe was painted by Sara Beth Wilcox, Meggan Crunkleton, Anna Hand, Ashley Ryals, Karen Black, Lane Pugh, Lisa Berger, Pam Boysen Wing, Holly McCarty, Cynthia Almodovar, Laura Hodge, Kallie Mitchell, Carey Miller, Margaret Ann Bibb, Shane Maddox and Frances “Frankie” McCarty.
Prints and notecards will be available soon at many of the local gift shops around town. Shameless plug for NCAC - If you need your own CeCe print or notecard sooner rather than later, email me at fcmccarty@gmail.com or direct message me on Instagram @frankiemccarty.art to place your order.