OPAKE
CORNWALL
I first became aware of graffiti as a subculture at the age of nine. Whilst holidaying in France, we stopped at a service station and my mum brought me my first copy of 'Bomb It' magazine, which I still have on my shelf today. I remember just wanting to find out everything I could about that art form - How it was done, why and mainly WHO was doing it? From then on, letter based graffiti became my obsession and I made it my mission to find out everything I could about it. I had always known I wanted to do something creative from a really young age. I started painting graffiti at the age of 13 and would fill sketch books with tags, doodles and made up character sketches. I was creating art for my own enjoyment at that stage, I had no idea I'd be able to make a career out of it. After a brief stint in New York working in video production in 2017, I returned home and turned my attention back to art, with a focus on pushing my own style forward - the disintegration of pop culture. I've always been a huge fan of cartoons, my favourites being Ran and Stimpy (although I've never actually painted them!) I like a lot of the fringe characters too, the big chief from Peter Pan, the alley cats from Tom and Jerry - and it's always got to be the villains! Although if I had to paint any character 10,000 times it would have to be Mickey Mouse. He's so versatile, you can pull him apart and his iconic figure is always recognisable. My Focus is on creating work that is a satirical play on these much-loved cartoon characters, I take them from their fantasy world and portray them in real life.
Cathy Davies is a true inspiration, demonstrating that when life presents you with challenges, that we should see them as the opportunities to learn from and grow rather than barriers.
Her journey towards becoming a successful artist wasn’t the easiest and she will be the first to say it is still full of hurdles. As a child she struggled with undiagnosed learning disabilities which led to a lack of education and those around her not believing in her ability to succeed – regardless of her obvious talent as an artist. “Relying on myself from a very young age became second nature in order to get through life. After taking care of two poorly parents for a very long time finances were a struggle and despite yearning to paint, I could not even afford a canvas. It wasn’t until some years later when I was given one as a present along with some paints that my world changed. I couldn’t believe it when I sold my first painting. It was like someone had erased all my self-doubt. Using the money from my first sale I was able to buy more canvases and my journey begun. Being on the spectrum has definitely made me who I am. What some would say is a disability, I call my super-power. It is now how I intend to live my life day by day and I encourage anyone who thinks they are different to embrace it. Why blend in when you’re born to stand out?”
Cathy Davies emerges herself and her audience in beautiful landscapes, that explore and occasionally intertwine abstract imagery and realism within her mixed medium paintings. Cathy paints within acrylic and oil, whilst also using gold leaf and mixed media to enhance and contextualise her work. Cathy’s practice is truly explorative and ungrounded, allowing her to express passions authentically.
Throughout Cathy’s practice, she demonstrates a boldness to create both beautiful and charismatic works, with emotive and reflective narratives, installing her work with personality, bringing a contemporary twist to classic and beloved locations.”
I first became aware of graffiti as a subculture at the age of nine. Whilst holidaying in France, we stopped at a service station and my mum brought me my first copy of 'Bomb It' magazine, which I still have on my shelf today. I remember just wanting to find out everything I could about that art form - How it was done, why and mainly WHO was doing it? From then on, letter based graffiti became my obsession and I made it my mission to find out everything I could about it. I had always known I wanted to do something creative from a really young age. I started painting graffiti at the age of 13 and would fill sketch books with tags, doodles and made up character sketches. I was creating art for my own enjoyment at that stage, I had no idea I'd be able to make a career out of it. After a brief stint in New York working in video production in 2017, I returned home and turned my attention back to art, with a focus on pushing my own style forward - the disintegration of pop culture. I've always been a huge fan of cartoons, my favourites being Ran and Stimpy (although I've never actually painted them!) I like a lot of the fringe characters too, the big chief from Peter Pan, the alley cats from Tom and Jerry - and it's always got to be the villains! Although if I had to paint any character 10,000 times it would have to be Mickey Mouse. He's so versatile, you can pull him apart and his iconic figure is always recognisable. My Focus is on creating work that is a satirical play on these much-loved cartoon characters, I take them from their fantasy world and portray them in real life.