About the Author
ccj

Catherine Cartwright Jones has thirty years' experience as a professional craftperson, illustrator, and artisan. She holds a BFA from the University of California at Los Angeles, and is pursuing a PhD at Kent State University in the patterns, history, traditions, geography, art, science and tecniques of henna and is a sought-after lecturer on the subject. Her resarch has covered thus far several university research libraries and museums, including the Bodliean Library, the British Library, and the British Museum and her bibliography includes over four thousand books and articles.

Catherine was born in Cabool, Missouri in 1950 and spent most of her life in the Los Angeles area, moving to the Midwest in the 1980's. She currently resides in Ohio with her husband, to whom she has been married for twenty-eight years and has two adult children. She loves Thai food, pug dogs, and applying henna to anyone who will hold still.

 

Reviews for Henna, The Joyous Body Art: Pattern Book #1

Jeremy Rowntree, founder of the Henna Page -- "Catherine Cartwright Jones has brought much to the world of henna. Through her websites, and her many contributions to the Henna Page, she has captivated henna artists all over the world.

"For years now, readers of the Henna Page have been delighted by her beautiful interpretations of traditional patterns from across the globe. Now, with this book, a wider audience can be reached. Catherine's tireless research has unearthed the traditional henna patterns, and from many periods of history. To complement these, she also offers us culturally significant patterns from other areas, interpreted in a way that makes them accessible to henna artists.

"Her copyright statement specifically permits the use of these patterns as inspiration for henna artists in their own hand-drawn work. Readers of the Henna Page Forum have benefit from this generosity for several years. Now you have the opportunity to do the same."
Kree Arvanitas, Gilded Lilies Henna Arts-- "This book is a treasure box of design elements invaluable for any illustrator, craftsman, or graphic artist. For the henna artist, however, it is much more than a simple book of patterns. Catherine's scholarship and research give us a true sense of our place in the life cycle of this ancient art, walking in the ritual steps of our foremothers. Ms. Jones piques our curiosity and gives us the tools to become better artists because we understand the glittering historical mosaic behind our work."
Mark Foster, Henna Boy Studio-- "Finally, a book that brings together the world of Henna! Each country and religion has its own patterns and designs, and Catherine Cartwright Jones has put together a collection that beautifully brings the world to your fingertips. For henna artists and lovers, this book is a great asset."
Rupal Christine Pinto, henna artist-- "In Pattern Book #1, Catherine Cartwright Jones gives us a wonderful approach to henna artistry that comprises the symbolic, geographical, and historical aspects of henna. In contrast to other books available, Cartwright Jones's book gives traditional and nontraditional motifs the depth of meaning they deserve, and thus should prove the perfect resource to both traditional artists and enthusiasts. The variety of designs she presents gave me several ideas and motifs to incorporate into my own mehndi designs. Jones's depth of approach not only reveals the years of research she has invested in henna, but also the love she possesses for the craft."
Lisa Butterworth, henna artist-- "Catherine Cartwright Jones' book brings to life the centuries of tradition behind the art of henna, ensuring that this 7,000-year-old "trend" will endure and evolve. Her designs cut across all boundaries and creeds, evoking the rich aesthetic heritage of henna body art and integrating it with new techniques and styles. My own work is truly enriched by her contribution."