Cath Sheard Art

Author: Catherine Barker-Sheard

  • Picking up a dropped ball

    My dear art friend Theresa has had to step back from running the Colour Me Positive FB group for a bit, due to internet issues. Rather than see it die, I’ve agreed to take over for a bit, putting up the weekly challenges, and generally watching over things. I don’t believe in always picking up the ball when someone else drops it, but this time felt right. There are plenty of opportunities I say no to. 

    This week’s quote is from Frida Kahlo, one of my favourite artists, and an incredibly strong woman. I suggested of people want extra challenge they use hot Mexican orange and Kahlo style lush foliage. I used Dylusion’s paints and stencils for this one, and Distress Ink to edge the word strips.

    20190824

  • Acts of love

    I know if I’m to stay as healthy as possible, with all the challenges I have, taking care of myself properly is an act of love. Hating my body won’t work. I need to eat well, exercise as much as my disability allows, sleep enough and take time out to rest.
    Dylusions supplies: small journal. Paint: Black marble, Pomegranate seed, Cherry pie. Stencils: Small stars & Star struck. Stamps: Dy’s alphabet.
    Other: Tim Holtz tall letter stamps, Pitt big brush pen, white gel pen, Distress ink, Ranger Distress collage medium.

    love your body 20190818

  • Picking up the ball

    I often tell myself, and remind my staff, that “just because someone dropped the ball, you don’t have to pick it up”. But there are times when picking it up is the right thing; this is one of those times. 

    I’ve been doing the Colour Me Positive weekly art challenge for 3 or 4 years and, in that time, it’s been through a few group admin. The current one, Theresa, lives very remotely in Australia. Her internet connection has got to the point where she’s having to step back. I suggested, instead of giving up completely & the group dying, I look after it while she decides what to do.

    This was my first week as admin. I found a quote and suggested if people wanted extra challenge, they use green and a supply they don’t normally use. This got me rattling through my supplies for things I don’t often use – it’s amazing what I have tucked away!

    Supplies: Shiva artist’s paintstiks, Derwent Inktense water soluble pencils, Washi tape, Golden heavy body paints and Dylusions paints.

    20190818

  • Skin, again … and self acceptance

    Warning: weight loss, plastic surgery, half dressed photos (you’ve been warned…)

     

    I seem destined to be honest about skin post weight loss surgery. I had the conversation again yesterday with someone who has been very successful post WLS, had some work done, and is considering more. I think she looks sporty normal, but her reality is different to mine. My question was “when will you be ok with who you are?” –  “when will it be enough” or words to that effect. We had a good talk and it helped both of us. I’m so grateful for her honesty.

    I wrote about my skin at the beginning of last year here, and my opinion is essentially the same now. I posted a photo on a private WLS FaceBook page this morning and commented that “My thighs are less droppy than they were, but very loose skin. Same with arms. Neck is turkey-ish & boobs are basically empty socks with a rock in the bottom. My stomach is the bad bit. Because of past botched surgery it’s very uneven – the apron is heavy and low. It’s encased in strong undies in this photo. (and of course my poor damaged knees mean bandy legs!) But it’s ok enough for me. My body works despite the shit I handed it over decades. Sure I use a walking stick a lot of the time, but I do 4000-6000 steps most days, work fulltime and have a good life. Fully dressed I look normal. Anyway who seems me not fully dressed is aware what lurks beneath and doesn’t mind (well, my sister has never said she minds lol)”

    I’m heavier than last year, so less floppy skin, and my middle is fatter. I think overall I’m better off for it. I’d like to lose 5kg again, but it’s not a ditch I need to die in.

    I think the message is – be ok with who you are. We are so often kinder to others than we are to ourselves.

    As with last year’s post I have been hesitating to hit the publish button – but then I think of bikinis, Walmart shoppers, and the fact some people need to know this. If you don’t like seeing the photos, stop reading…

     

    January 2018
    August 2019

     

  • Don’t assume

    This is one of my “pouring out the feelings” pages, done in my Dina Wakley mixed media journal. I can get very frustrated when people make assumptions about me, my life, my abilities etc. Don’t assume…

    I used a Tim Holtz diecut, Ranger Distress Collage medium, DecoArt paints, Distress Oxides, Tim Holtz stencils and various pens.

    dont assume.jpg