Cath Sheard Art

Author: Catherine Barker-Sheard

  • Shallow cracks run deep!

    My art practice runs deeply through my life, and sometimes cracks appear. Life gets in the way, and my art practice takes a lower priority for a time. From the outside that probably looks like a wee crack on the surface and no big deal. But actually those shallow cracks run deep – art is vital to my life and it’s important I always find – make – time to move my hands.

    Since Tony moved into the rest home I’ve found less time for my art. At first glance I should have more time, not less – but that’s not how it works. By the time I work, and visit him 4 weeknights out of 5, then bring him home at the weekend, time is precious. When he was at home, sure things were difficult, but I sat at my art desk while he slept the days away.

    Over the last few days I’ve made a concerted effort to do a bit more art and it feels good to be moving my hands. I need to prioritise my art time better! These pages are all in my Dina Wakley journals.

  • Collage ideas

    Today I’ve made nine A5 collages, using a variety of gelli printed and stenciled deli, tissue, rice and copier papers. The circles were inspired by Froyle, who I’ve started following on YouTube. I love doing small collage, it’s a great way of testing ideas. The ones that are successful are a good price point for selling.

    Here’s a sample of today’s work, plus a shot of the chaos while I was creating; I make a point of cleaning up when I’m finished so I don’t feel overwhelmed by the mess when I next sit down to create.

  • And more gelli printing

    Tony bought me the Klimt inspired masks and stencils designed by Elizabeth St Hilaire from Joggles.com for Christmas. Good shopping Tony! This time I’ve been playing on 6×6 paper, with Reeves paints and Golden metallics. I prepped a heap of dark backgrounds then used layers of mixed colours, and a final layer of metallics. For a few of them I used the one background layering stencil at right angles to itself, and love the grid effect. This is a small sample of about 30 prints I did last night.

    Poor night photos, but you get the idea!

  • I went for a walk!

    It’s 9 weeks on Thursday since my second total knee replacement. This morning my best mate took me for a walk to the Manawapou Viaduct on the old Ingahape Road. It’s a paper road no, but still largely sealed, so a relatively even surface. It’s a 2.5km round trip from the rest area at the side of SH3. The hardest part was climbing the fence at the start; the stile is missing one board at the bottom so it’s quite a step up & down for someone with two new knees 😉

    The walk’s meant to take 10 minutes to the viaduct – I did it in 15 which is pretty good considering. By the time we got back to the car I was limping slightly, more from my hip than my knee. My hips have had a difficult time adjusting to my significantly change posture.

    I often walk 4km in a day, but that’s bits and pieces, not a sustained effort. I’m so pleased I was able to do this – after 9 years of using mobility aids it feels like a huge achievement. Thanks for helping me accomplish it Sandra; you’ve got a new (sometimes) walking companion!

    Me climbing the stile, and Sandra in front of the Viaduct

  • And that’s 2021 almost over

    Last New Year’s Eve I wrote there’d never been a year quite like it in my lifetime, and that goes for 2021 as well. I’m not going to detail it all, but do want to bullet point it, because this is part of how I record things that matter to me. Here are some things that stand out:

    • Goldie died at 17. She was the loudest cat in the universe, a total pain, and we miss her.
    • Tony moved into the rest home in June after it became clear even with Hospice support he was no longer safe at home. It was a dreadful time, but necessary. He’s settled in well and on the surface is doing better, although actually he’s getting sicker all the time.
    • My best friend Sandra and her wee dog Bruno moved in with me. It works well for both of us; I’m super grateful for her being here.
    • I had a stomach ulcer rupture in March and had emergency surgery. I was incredibly sick – the Dr said “you stood at the gates”. He also said I’d earned a lifetime prescription for anti ulcer meds.
    • I had a few trips to Hokitika to visit Alan and Penny. Penny and I are working on a collaborative art exhibition that’s pushing our skills and interests. In December Alan and I did a road trip to Tekapo, Wanaka etc and I got to see more of the South Island. The total break was just what I needed.
    • In November I got my second total knee replacement. As the surgeon predicted, it’s not quite as good as my first one, but it’s still a bloody miracle! For the first time in 9 years I’m walking without any sort of mobility aid.
    • I’ve done a lot of art, enjoyed my work, spent a lot of time on Twitter, and tried to stay safe and sane.

    When I look at that list, it’s been a tricky year with some very hard stuff. As always, I’m grateful for good medical care for Tony and I, the friendships I enjoy, and the love of family and close friends. I’m not convinced 2022 is going to be any easier in some senses, but I’m heading into it determined to make the best of the new opportunities that await me.

    Tony and I at Christmas
    Tony and Sandra have been friends for 30 years
    My BIL Jim, Tony, my sister Ailsa and I
    Penny and I share a love of art, food and local government!
    She was a total brat, but she was our brat!
    Out on a river near Hokitika with Alan.