Today we’d like to introduce you to Catherine Gauche.
Catherine, please kick things off for us by telling us about yourself and your journey so far.
I’ve played my hand at various roles in the art world over the last few years. I’ve been the ‘forever’ student at Stellenbosch University in South Africa, a Designer, an Art Gallery Administrator, an Illustrator, even a Face Painter. When I moved to Houston with my family four years ago I’d been on maternity leave for a while and felt ready to get stuck into something creative again. Ready is perhaps not quite the right word, yearning or aching or ‘screaming inside’ is probably more accurate. The only problem was that I wasn’t sure what kind of art I wanted to make. Before having a baby and moving around the world, my main occupation had been illustration, mostly editorial and for advertising. And while I love illustration, I’m not crazy about the tight deadlines that go along with this love, especially with a toddler in the house whose main priority is keeping me up all night. So, I thought and thought and thought and tried a few different things, until, after lengthy conversations with my husband about important things like the future, etc., I decided to try to do something I’ve always wanted to do, paint portraits.
There has always been something about the faces of individuals, their bodies, gestures, the way light plays on the skin, the eyes, hair that entices me to create. And actually, doing this for a living (well it took a while for that part) has been the most exciting thing in my art career. This is especially so since my new venture of Collaborative Portrait Commissions with Children. These Collaborations, which take up 95% of my painting time, are the result of an art project I did with my eldest daughter. I’d always liked the idea of creating a mom daughter artwork together, so that’s what we did. She painted the background of her canvas and I painted her portrait over, trying my best not to compromise her brushstrokes and expressions. The result was an artwork truly special to both of us, which led me to wonder if there are others who’d like their children to be involved in collaborative portraits with me… and after a post on Facebook, and 300 commission inquiries over 24hours, the rest is history.
Can you give our readers some background on your art?
My latest portrait painting commissions consist of a one-of-a-kind collaboration between young artists and myself. In a nutshell, parents book sessions for me to assist their child to paint an expressive, abstract artwork on canvas… I encourage my students to use their favorite colors and not over think their painting so that it is as close a representation of their individuality as can be contained onto one canvas in less two hours. Once our painting session is complete, I head to my studio and paint the child’s portrait over their unique background, painted in the prior session. The end result is not only an artwork created with that child’s own brushstrokes and their unique face, but also a tactile and engaging experience.
Each and every one of these collaborations has been special and I’m learning more and more with each one on both a social and technical level. Each portrait is layered with facets in the make-up of that child. I get to experience a mere ‘slice’, a glimpse of the nature of one unique small human while having the privilege of facilitating their painting session.
During these collaborations we work with professional grade acrylics on canvas – not the student paint that one would expect with children’s art. I like to keep things fun and colorful, giving my young artists options to work in neon’s, drip and splash paint and mix glitter into their paint (a technique I learnt from my first young client).
My clients have all been kind and enthusiastic, enjoying seeing their children being creative. They are patient, but excited waiting for me to complete and hand deliver their children’s portraits. And, most importantly, the children’s involvement is not only FUN, but also something they can take ownership of. All in all, the process is incredibly rewarding for me, as an artist.
What responsibility, if any, do you think artists have to use their art to help alleviate problems faced by others? Has your art been affected by issues you’ve concerned about?
I’m not sure if the role of artists has changed over the years. I feel that artists have always been commenting on the socio-political climate of the time and their surroundings. I do feel that, as an artist, I have the responsibility of truthful art-making to myself and my followers. In our time of social media (and social constructs) I’m very conscious of tactile experiences and being present in oneself and environment vs being the passive observer. A good friend once asked me why I don’t ask the young artist that I collaborate with to send me an artwork that they did on their I-pad instead of meeting me in my studio to paint in order to increase to save time. This is exactly what I’m trying to avoid and rather promote the ‘real’ experience of getting messy with paint and interacting face to face. I feel that this personal approach to life is so important, which is why real art will always be a part of our society and artists will continue to comment and challenge.
Regarding your second question, I follow the work of artists from around the world via social media (yes, I too am a slave to this) and follow the art section in the news. When my schedule allows I also like to visit art shows and galleries. I find inspiration in the work of others, especially figurative painters. I, myself do not belong to a gallery, as my work is mostly commission based. I’m hoping to have some more time for personal work in the future. I have many, many ideas and am constantly painting these portfolio pieces in my mind.
What’s the best way for someone to check out your work and provide support?
On my website and social media. Follow me on Facebook, Instagram and Twitter.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.catherinegauche.com/
- Phone: 832-788-7182
- Email: catherinegauche@yahoo.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/catherinegaucheart/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/catherinegaucheart/
- Twitter: https://twitter.com/catherinegauche
Image Credit:
Catherine Gauche
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