Artist of the Month april / may - Catherine Taylor Parry

To welcome the Spring, our artist of the month is painter Catherine Taylor Parry, whose colourful paintings bring a sense of joy, excitement and serenity to the viewer.

A semi-abstract painting of a landscape, in white purple, blue orange, black and grey. There is the suggestion of a body of water in the foreground leading to dark mountains in the background. — ***We asked Catherine a few questions about her work. Below are her responses...***

Tell us a little bit about your practice… What is your earliest memory of making?

My earliest memories of making were sneaking into my Dad's garage and collecting pieces of off cut wood and trying to nail or glue them together and paint them with left over paint. I wasn't really allowed in there.

How does being in Wales inspire your practice?

I had my first oil paint set from a holiday in Wales and when my family moved here in the 80's it felt like going back to my childhood. When I moved here I relied entirely on the Welsh landscape to create my work. Initially I created lots of pieces about the tree in the opposite field.

My practice then became focused on my 'Ground and unbound' exhibition using film from local hang gliders on the clwydian range, paintings of landscape from above, a golden wheelchair with wings. This was exhibited at Galeri, Caernarfon and parts from this were shown in Denbigh and Colwyn Bay. Following on from this my paintings were developed from views of the mountains I can see from my garden. With strong horizons and suggestions of village homes.

My practice at the moment is influenced by the remains left by man over the centuries on Halkyn mountain which has had anything of value removed, originally lead and more recently limestone rocks have been cut from the land. I am fascinated by the remains of lives lived and their imprint on the earth's surface .

What are your hopes for the future?

Although I have a broken hip which has added to my MS mobility problems I am trying hard to complete an MA in Fine Art. I have a solo show in Caernarfon and a show at Ynys Mon with Louise Morgan, Angie Hoopert and Wendy Lawrence in 2024.

Do you have any tips for aspiring artists?

My advice for anyone - Do the work that you want to do, not what others want.

Persevere - it can take ages to get anywhere.

Approach galleries that you want to show in - don't be shy!

Keep a track of people who have helped, they might help again.

Enjoy what you are doing and don't be afraid to change.

Don't be tempted to lower your prices.

Keep positive.