Today we’d like to introduce you to Catherine Collier.
Catherine, we appreciate you taking the time to share your story with us today. Where does your story begin?
I moved from Honduras in 2014 after a family tragedy which resulted in the death of my father. Moving to America, even though I had the language down, I was starting out on my own, with no money in my pocket but a luggage full of dreams. I worked any job I could get, most often prioritizing finances our my mental health. When I started college at SAC, I didn’t have any idea of what to major in, so I went with Business Administration. It wasn’t until I took my first art history class that I fell in love with art. After that, I began experimenting on my dining room table, started to attend First Friday and exhibited at small shows around town. Now, I am finishing my Studio Art degree at UTSA and building my portfolio. I tend to table between visual art like collages, painting, and ceramics, but my 9-5 job entails graphic design and photography. I’ve sacrificed many things down the line in order to do what I love, and if I could change anything, I simply wouldn’t.
I’m sure you wouldn’t say it’s been obstacle free, but so far would you say the journey has been a fairly smooth road?
No road worth traveling is easy. For years I found unhealthy ways to cope with the pain of losing my father, arguments with my mother, and feelings of solitude. My mental health hit rock bottom plenty of times, and there were moments when I felt like I might not make it over 25. As any young adult, financial issues were also present, but ultimately I was my own worst enemy for a long period of time. I was diagnosed with major depressive disorder, binge eating disorder, and panic attacks. I was in constant battle with my head.
Alright, so let’s switch gears a bit and talk business. What should we know about your work?
I consider myself an interdisciplinary artist, as I tend to incorporate more than one medium or technique into my work. My photographs and prints could one day turn into a collage, or a collage could one day turn into a digital illustration. I tend to rework my pieces a lot, as my level of expertise and general views shift. A common theme throughout all my work is the female body. Dealing with a binge eating disorder and just feeling uncomfortable in my own skin, just made me seek self-validation even more. So I turned my body and everyone else’s for that matter, into art. When I saw body parts that I constantly degraded as works of art like ceramics or photographs, I began to develop a deeper connection, understanding, and appreciation for it. What I am most proud of in my work is how many young women connect to it. They find themselves in the pieces, or those who participate in it, are forced to experience themselves in a unique way. I think there are many things that set me apart from others, as we are all unique in our own way. I think trying to focus on standing out, neglects the true intent of art which is to bring people together.
Can you talk to us about how you think about risk?
I am definitely a risk-taker, and this stems from being a strong believer in “fake it til you make it.” I was never handed anything on a silver platter, and as I grew up I realized no one was going to to the work for me so I always decide to make the jump. I have sold my skills and work many times when I was being pounded my imposter syndrome in the back of my head. One of my biggest weaknesses is that I have a hard time saying no to a project. Even if I have no idea on how to get there, I will always find a way. My first project as a graphic designer was to design 3d room spaces, and I was clueless. Then I followed to pull all-nighters for three days teaching myself new software until the project felt complete. Now, Youtube uses one of my rooms for their virtual hangouts.
Contact Info:
- Email: [email protected]
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/ccollierart/
Image Credits
Catherine Collier
