Catherine Fitzgerald
Q. How did you start your artistic journey?
A. I began painting at an early age. My mother was creative, she gave me the inspiration and support to concentrate on
my art. Though, it was for an unusual reason, I lipread,
I am hard of hearing. My art distracted me from what I
missed due to lack of hearing, it gave me purpose. My vision rules my life, I am not distracted by sounds, but have
heightened visual awareness. Fortunately, I am gifted with a photographic memory, which allows everything to do with sight to be brought together. I visualise my paintings in colour before I commence, I do not normally sketch, except for basic proportions occasionally, or an idea I don’t want to discard unintentionally.
For many years I worked with my father as a clothing designer, selecting fabrics and all things involved in obtaining the finished product. This gave me an appreciation of giving the customer what they want, with regard to colouring and design. This was followed by marriage and two children. I recall setting up a small studio in the corner of my little boys’ bedroom. This was the start of serious painting and my enormous love for it. Painting in that room was at times a nightmare, for when my boys were jumping around me, I didn’t do straight lines, instead I would do trees or any rough areas just in case they bumped my arm, again!
Q. How would you describe your artistic style?
A. During my earlier years watercolour painting traditional
style was my main medium, which was self-taught. This
continued for a number of years, for which I fortunately
received a number of awards. Once satisfied with my
technique, I moved on to Oils and then Acrylics due to their benefits over oils. Acrylics gave me the freedom to just keep 5% of traditional style, the rest was to be free, no rules, be who you are.
Q. Which artists inspire you and why?
A. I do love the works of Brian Rutternberg with his brilliant colours and how he made them work together. William Morris the 17th Century artist has also inspired me with his painting of nature in such a beautiful clear manner. Stephaine Lane’s works encourages me to keep things simple, a calming effect, which is a project I have yet to achieve.
Q. We see a strong Provincial and Tuscan feel through your paintings. Please explain?
A. My Tuscan and Provincial paintings began when I first
went to Italy and France. I was a member of the National Trust of Victoria due to my love of historical buildings, which was enhanced by the Italian and French buildings I visited with their peachy colours and often imposing structure. I found myself drawn to the people and their cultures. I have revisited Europe with my husband many times since on self-guided walking tours, which have only strengthened my feelings for that part of the world.
Q. What is your favourite colour?
A. My favourite colour is peach, I’m still trying to perfect it
and not make it pink! Peach and olive green are the best
combination. These colours remind me of the first time I
saw a building in Tuscany with olive trees in front.
Q. Where do you draw your inspiration from?
A. What inspires my paintings is my own imagination, fuelled from ideas from something I have experienced, especially from my travels.
Q. Where do you like to create your art?
A. Of late I live most of the time by the sea. A temporary
move which became permanent with COVID. Here I certainly get good inspiration from my walks along the local beach, it provides a very calming environment. Often after our walk and coffee with friends I’m straight back to the Studio witha frustrating urge to put my idea to canvas.
Q. What is the most valuable lesson you have learnt on
your journey as an artist?
A. The most valuable lesson I have learnt from my work
is that each of us has our own special skills. There are
absolutely no rules, we need to discover our true selves,
and honestly express our feelings. Picasso once said “you
cannot teach another person to paint”. I totally agree,
for it would be like telling others how to think or feel, when
we are all individuals.
Q. How did you feel when you were asked to create original artworks for this years season of The Block?
A. When I was approached to create an original painting for
The Block it was very exciting. From my experience studying
the décor of The Block over several years, I felt I had a good appreciation of the better received overall styles presented.
I was very thrilled when asked by Artist Lane to submit a
painting, especially with Mount Macedon as its location and theme. I enjoyed applying my abstract/contemporary style
with a blend of subject matter.
Q. What does it mean to have your art featured in The Block?
A. To have my art featured on The Block is personally satisfying, as it has been a long-term goal. My ongoing goal is to continue to enjoy my work to the fullest, be who I am and not be distracted or influenced by others in that regard.
