Artist profile
Cathryn
Sofarnos
Cathryn embraces the inherent mystery of the abstract world and finds liberation in the absence of definitive answers, allowing for a journey of exploration and discovery that transcends the limitations of conventional thought. In this realm, ambiguity becomes a source of inspiration, sparking the imagination and beckoning the viewer to contemplate the boundless mysteries of existence. Her intention is for her paintings to illuminate its space, infusing it with a vibrant energy that will engage its viewers and give rise to intelligent conversation and inquiry. The luminosity and lusciousness of the coloured layers creates a dance on the canvas that lifts the spirits and heightens the senses, while simultaneously imbues a feeling of harmony and serene ambience. The glistening shimmer induced by the dynamic interplay between line and colour create movement that breathes life into the surrounding space. The depth of layers in the work reveal hidden moments to the viewer, perhaps even within themselves, providing a point of focus and observation to a room. Her dynamic expression of line and colour, sets the intention to captivate a radiant beauty, joy and playful spirit that creates a vivid and evocative experience on a large scale.
Career Highlights
1. Solo exhibition at Burrinja Cultural Centre, Melbourne
2. Emerging Artist Women Award - Selected finalist
Artist Interview
What medium do you work with, and why have you chosen them?
For some years I painted mostly with acrylics, however, recently I have embraced oil paint and oil stick as the predominant medium.. I also incorporate cold wax, spray paint and other mediums to create texture and variation of the surface when painting on a large scale.. Painting with oil has given me more freedom to manipulate its viscosity, and I love the richness of colours and luminosity of finish. Oil in stick form, is a direct application that allows me to draw line work instead of using a paint brush.
How does your artwork get from initial concept to exhibition stage?
My process begins with conceptualising a title. This initial step provides a foundational understanding of the artwork's essence, and guides the relevant decisions, such as selecting a colour palette and narrative. The colour pallet stands as the decisive force that unites a collection of paintings, from a visual point of view, into a cohesive whole. Each canvas has a vivid spectrum of hues, carefully chosen to evoke the emotions, moods, and sensations that reverberate with the chosen title. Once these decisions are made, through mark making and line work, my intention is for each painting to reveal a part of the broader narrative.
Can you tell us a little more about your creative working environment/studio?
Set amongst the tall dark trees of the Dandenong Ranges forest, east of Melbourne, my studio is a sanctuary where all sense of time, place and self, cease to exist. Studio time is often spent in the experimental process, exploring endless colour pallets and different material combinations. These investigations sometimes develop into smaller works on paper, which mostly include crayon, paint pens, collage and charcoal. Much consideration is given to these experiments, prior to committing to a large scale canvas, both in terms of colour choices and medium usage. The materials for these large scale works usually include oil paint, spray paint and oil stick. I prefer to work on un-stretched canvas and I work on several at a time.
