Love and Light is a site-specific installation inspired by Los Angeles-based printmaker Cathy Weiss’ interest in the power of love and the cross-cultural significance of light. The 18 lanterns and accompanying light box draw upon Weiss’ years of experience producing large-scale woodblock prints. Weiss is inspired by symbols, themes, poetry, and sacred texts about love, including the Old Testament book Song of Songs. Like the words exchanged between the two lovers in the Song of Songs, the blue light that radiates from Weiss’ lanterns is meant to offer warmth, love, and protection. Symbols such as olive branches, pomegranates, and bunches of grapes adorn the lanterns and the light box. The stenciled forget-me-not flowers on the wall and floor signify true love and also reference members of the artist’s family.

Weiss’ lanterns and light box are constructed from layered papers and fabrics embellished with her hand-carved woodblock prints, stencils, and painted textures wrapped onto a framework. Layers of cut paper vary the amount of light and pattern emitted from each lantern to achieve the warm, blue glow.

The artist invites you to become a part of Love and Light by adding layers to the light box. Several of her woodblocks are mounted below from which to make rubbings. By adding your rubbings to the light box, the artwork becomes a shared experience that continues to grow in depth and texture.