We talk to Catherine Taylor Parry about her work.
Please describe your artwork style
My paintings are largely abstract landscapes. I work in acrylic on canvas creating atmospheric and ethereal paintings which are open to personal interpretation and memories. I use the landscape by remembering an impression or a feeling, a misty morning or passing iced mountain.
What is your background?
At school I enjoyed Art and went on to study an honours degree in Fine Art Painting and a PGCE in art and design.
How long have you been an artist?
I have been an artist since leaving college. I combined teaching with my art practise and after severe attacks due to MS (multiple sclerosis) I have concentrated solely on my art and my daughter.
Who or what are your biggest influences?
My first love was Turner’s atmospheric later paintings at school along with the early work of Peter Blake. My tastes are varied, I love work using the environment such as Andy Goldsworthy and David Nash, Welsh artists such as Shani Rees James, Louise Morgan, Angie Hoopert, Susan Williams.I also love the which is atmospheric such as Zoe Taylor and recently discovered Sarah Carvell and Glynys Cour.
Where do you create your work?
Exhibiting and producing work has been my focus and I have exhibited throughout the UK in galleries and Art fairs, such as parallax and ChesterArts Fair and have established buyers and collectors. I have developed my practise through paint, print, ink and 3d using my surroundings and inner feelings as inspiration.
What do you feel is the role of the artist in society?
I have enjoyed exhibitions which concentrate on traditional techniques of painting drawing and painting, but I am also drawn to exhibitions using objects and film to convey the artist’s message. I found the underwater work of Sue Austin fascinating. My latest exhibition involves painting, film and a winged wheelchair.
Where do you create your work?
I create in my studio in the garden of my 17th C Welsh Cottage.
What do you feel is the role of the artist in society?
I feel that in today’s harsh society we look to artists to feed our souls, to offer a different way to view the world, to show that there are things that widen our life experience or give us beauty and peace
What techniques / mediums do you use?
In my practise I work with a variety of materials my paintings are mainly acrylic on canvas or inks and charcoal on paper.
Is there any artwork you are most proud of?
The manipulation of paint is important to me and the combination or contrast of colours. Painting takes over when I am working, I feel totally absorbed in the image so it becomes as if I am inside the painting.
Any current or up-coming exhibitions?
My next project is a solo show at ‘Galeri’ Caernarfon called ‘Ground and Unbound’ it is on from the 25th July-6th In this show I will be bringing together my paintings, my flying film and my incredible winged wheelchair.
I am taking part in an exhibition called ‘Horizons’ at DOT ART in Liverpool July 10th? And ‘New Horizons’ with Angie Hoopert at Theatr Clwyd, Mold from the 16th.
How do you know when an artwork is finished?
Knowing when a piece is finished is a difficult question. Usually, I reach a point at which I am happy with the image and I know that anything more will ruin what the painting is trying to say.
Is there an element of art you enjoy working with the most? Why?
In the past I have always worked on a table as I used thin layers of paint, but I have been using an easel since September and I enjoy being able to work on a few pieces at once.
