Artist Catherine Mc Cue Boes

In the studio, work continues.  It  has been quite a while since I have time to get back to arts practice. Circumstances in my private life have resulted in an adjustment to my priorities in life. Being a full-time carer has left little time for creative activities, and I often find myself yearning for the artistic expression that once filled my days with joy. It has taken me four years to perfect a time management plan that accommodates both my caregiving responsibilities and my desire to create. This plan allows me a few hours a week to once again spend time in the studio, and during these moments, I immerse myself in my art as a refuge from the demands of my life. The few hours I spend in the studio are not only therapeutic but also rejuvenating. I find that the pressure of my current situation is reduced exponentially when I am engaged in the act of creating. My current work is based on a personal narrative, using linocut as a starting point, and it serves as a reflection ...

 Nine months, have passed since my darling husband had a stroke, I thought my world and his would dissolve into endless hours at the hospital, dreading each passing day not knowing if he would survive, walk, or  talk again. We have returned to a life, different, difficult and at times heartbreaking, each day presents a new problem, sometimes I win sometimes I lose. The progress is slow, walking is tiring for him, talking is mumbled words, frustration on his part, he knows what he wants to say but can’t.  As time passes we will make the best of each day, good or bad, the absence of friends is noted, only a few stay in touch now? It’s uneasy for others to understand that he is still the same man....needs friends..... Big Kate..my Albion printing press has gone, no doubt the first of many things to leave us, sad but necessary.

 Artist book, experimental linocut, hand coloured digital background. 

 

 My artist book, a major work has been accept in the InkMasters print award, it’s absolutely thrilling to be part of this exhibition, so many notable artists, thank you.

 Taking on a full house renovation has left little time for studio work but I have managed to get one day a week until the Reno is finished, ok having said that I am still working on some ideas for new hybrid prints and maybe drawings. It’s hard to get away from all the talk about COVID 19, it’s certainly been a rough two years, and time to reflect on the importance of freedom to move around and to travel. I like all others have family members that are in lockdown again and I am unable to see or help them, this isolation and restrictions is hard but important if we are to keep a lid on this ever-changing virus. Ok returning to work I am currently working on digital prints, which depicts my current focus on the virus, text and images, some with a classic overture have been blogging my mind, as they will probably never be seen in the real world I am happy just to continue creating them.