"I am most intrigued by the weaving and layering of a good story, especially a mystery. Each chapter reveals something new, something that, for me, continually rearranges the potential outcome. A successful mystery writer 'sets you up' several times over as to the conclusion. This is exactly how I want a piece to progress, both in the building and the viewer's interpretations. To this end, some of my pieces have moving and interchangeable parts, allowing the viewer to become a participant.

Often in my work, people and their occupations (especially if they take themselves too seriously) easily become comedy routines, complete with embroidered characterizations. We have to laugh or, at least, smile at them and their sense of self-importance. While we are at it, we might as well laugh at ourselves. It's a guaranteed stress reliever!

-- Catherine Thornton

(Click on thumbnails to see larger image)