Catherine Timberg (Reilly)

catherine.reilly@sympatico.ca

I grew up on the prairies in Winnipeg, then lived in Alberta, Yellowknife, and Atikokan. I came to Prince Edward County in 2012 after more than 30 years living in the boreal forest on the Canadian Shield. I now live on a small hobby farm on the banks of the Black River. I’ve always been deeply affected by my geographical setting, so after many years of trees and rocks, rocks and trees  … I have now found my way into fields and barns … barns and fields.

I believe that the arts brings us closer to the Mystery of Life by casting light on the crevices of our lives, providing glimpses deep into its essential nature. Life brings us delight, terror, anxiety, understanding, serenity … all manner of experiences. Through the arts we are better able to find meaning in these experiences and create a clearer picture of our inner self and purpose.

I find most of my inspiration in nature and I am especially drawn to light. Regardless of the subject, I make art because I want to share my experience.

I work primarily in watercolour, a technique I learned as part of my training as a professional interior designer. This medium lends itself beautifully to letting the light glow through. 

I enjoy representational work where I can share my experience of a phenomena with the viewer in a way that is readily comprehended.  I occasionally find a visual theme in my representations work that I work through in an abstract piece. When working in the abstract, I’m expressing a mood or working through a concept visually, which invariably results in an invitation for the viewer to work out their own thoughts or feelings on the subject.

I hope my work is illuminating and gives you a glimpse deep into the nooks and crannies of your life experience.

Shows:

2006 Pictograph Gallery, Atikokan – “Finding My Way” solo show

2006 Atikokan Intergeneration Centre for the Arts – “Breathing in the Wilds” group show

2004 Atikokan Intergenerational Centre for the Arts – “Breathing in the Wilds” group show

1992-2000 Birchwood Gallery, various solo shows , Yellowknife

1986-1992 Arctic Art Gallery, various solo shows, Yellowknife

1982-1986 Toa Chen’s Art Gallery, various solo shows, Yellowknife

Grants and Awards:

2006 Ontario Arts Council Exhibition Assistance Grant

2006 First place: 2 dimensional art at the “ Inspired by Quetico” juried competition.

1989 NWT Arts Council: Grant for artistic exploration and show of Nahanni National Park.