Cathy Leather

Artist Statement

As a printmaker I enjoy drypoint, monotype and photopolymer. Drypoint is a very satisfying medium to me. With drypoint etching I can develop plates with intricate marks and emulate the finely drawn qualities I love in the artists I admire such as Durer, Cassatt and Hokusai. Monotype allows for compositional thought and practice, while photopolymer engages my interest in photography. For the past few years I have incorporated audio into my artwork through QR codes that allow for the viewer to respond to the work both visually and through sound mostly captured in nature.

My subject matter is usually nature, wildlife and mostly birds. As an avid birder and volunteer with shorebird counts, I find endless creative possibility in the lives of birds. I became obsessed so much with the Arctic Tern because of its migratory prowess that I went on a journey to Antarctica partly to find the bird in its icy habitat. I capture nature sounds because I find the melodic songs found on a walk can produce a meditative moment. Birds delight me from the delicate snowy plover, the comical curlew and the elegant egret. Most of the proceeds from the sales of my work are donated to wildlife and educational organizations.

Biography

Events and Activities:

2024 Marin Society of Artists, ‘Art + Words’, Member Show
2024 Yuba-Sutter Art Center Dual Show
2024 Marin Society of Art, ‘Crazy for Art’, Juried Selection, Honorable Mention
2024 O’Hanlon Center for the Arts, Mill Valley. ‘Floral Fantasies’, Juried Selection
2024 ZeaMays Printmaking. ‘Three Years of Conversation’
2024 Marin Society of Artists, ‘World Untamed’, Juried Selections (2 works)
2024 Kala Project Spaces, Residency Show
2023 Marin Society of Artists, ‘Fresh Art’, Juried Selections (2 works)
2023 Marin Society of Artists, ‘All About Women’, Juried Selection
2023 Los Altos Public Library, Los Altos, CA. Selected artwork for Silicon Valley Open Studios Pre Show Exhibit
2023 Works Gallery, San Jose. Community Show and Auction
2023 Visual Philosophy Artist Show, San Jose
2023 Silicon Valley Open Studios, Maker Nexus, Sunnyvale
2022 Silicon Valley Open Studios-Spring, Los Gatos, San Jose, CA
2021 Silicon Valley Open Studios-Fall, Los Gatos, San Jose, CA.
2021 Silicon Valley Open Studios-Spring, San Jose, CA. (Online)
2018 MISSA Artist Show, Victoria B.C.
2012 Printmaking Summer Abroad. Art Show. Corciano, Italy