Introducing Cathy Brickhill, the artist behind Cathy Jane Designs. At our most recent show in Auckland last month, Cathy was announced as the Lawson’s Dry Hills Pink People’s Choice Award Winner for 2024, with her work “Impermanence - The State of Not Lasting Forever.” Previously in March, Cathy was also one of two artists who were awarded highly commended by judges in the Christchurch regional award for The STUFF ART Aotearoa Gold Award.
The Auckland public were jointly captivated, inspired, and intrigued by her beautiful, unique work. Cathy’s art is a delicate form of freehand stitch-work, created by many hours of sewing and building 3D sculptures, using layers of tiny stitches. Her inspiration, which is drawn from the canvas that is New Zealand, is a sentiment that many can appreciate. And so, we asked Cathy a few questions to learn more about her art practice and introduce her even further to our audience.
Describe what a day creating looks like for you?
My days always start with exercise! Usually one hour every morning, then coffee and healthy food to stimulate the mind. Usually I’m working on a commission piece for a new client, or working on a new sketch for an upcoming artwork. I try to be outside as much as possible for my research. Being an artist and creating my types of three-dimensional pieces, I am constantly looking for new challenges, new ideas, and concepts. Being out in nature refuels my creative energy, and clears my head for upcoming work.
Have you always created? What was the process in finding your current style?
I have always created clothes since a very young age. I think I started sewing at the age of 5. I was captivated by how a sewing machine worked, and wasn’t scared to use it. I then started to make clothing for myself and friends, which led me to Fashion Design and art college. My very first job was creating origami butterfly gift cards at the age of 14, and I independently sold them through bookshops and at markets after school finished. It was a great start! I’ve always been highly motivated and very driven to establish my place in art. I found my current style of art through years of trial and error, through experimentation, and an understanding of botanical drawing and sculpture. I am also a fully trained seamstress, and have a long history of undertaking all types of sewing work. My work is ever evolving and constantly getting better. A lot of my work is made from studying and researching bird and insect species, and being out on the field in nature. I love exploring, and adventures.
How did you find the process in creating your winning work for the People's Choice Award?
The top 10 artists were given basic guidelines of a particular theme we needed to follow, and my decision to create a three-dimensional vineyard leaf was something I thought about for a long time. To ensure I could bring my best work to bear, whilst still keeping on schedule with my other pieces. The process included detailed sketches, colour matching of the various threads from my extensive thread library, and then hours creating it with thread and a needle. It took me well over the normal time that I usually take to create a sculpture, due to its heavy detailing and the size. I really wanted to impress the audience and tie into the natural colours that are abundant across a vineyard.
How did it feel to be announced people's choice award winner at the Auckland Art Show?
It was absolutely mind blowing to win the people’s choice award on the last day of the Auckland Art Show. I had high hopes for my piece based on conversations with people at the show, however I was still very surprised and delighted at people recognising the uniqueness of my work. My work is unique, each piece is one of a kind, and you won’t find it anywhere else in the world.
Most of all, what do you want people to take away from your art?
A renewed connection to nature, and the beauty that comes from it. I would love people to be getting outside more for bushwalks or beach walks, it’s great for mind and body.
Cathy with her winning award work at The Auckland Art Show.
Where can you see Cathy and her work next? We are looking forward to having Cathy exhibit her work with us again in October, Labour Weekend at the inaugural Queenstown Art Show!
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