It’s time to meet our next Muse of the Month!

Introducing Cathy Watson, or @cathywatsonartlife on Insta; Be sure to give her a follow and show her some love!

What part of the world do you currently live in?

Christchurch, New Zealand.

When did your art or crafting journey begin?

I’ve always been “crafty” as my Mother and Grandmother were. They taught me to knit and sew and sewing became and still is a big part of my life. Dolls clothes first, then I made my own clothes and started to make quilts. I did art at school but didn’t do much once I left. I always kept scrapbooks as a young girl with pictures cut out of magazines, house stuff, fashion and gardens. I got into miniature dollhouses and making stuff for craft stalls. Then I discovered “scrapbooking” with photos and it took over my life. I worked in scrapbook stores and taught lessons. We started to see a mixed media look coming into it and I loved it. By the time Covid hit I was watching Dina Wakley’s free daily lessons and every mixed media YouTube video I could find. Then I discovered Wendy and her Willa Journals and started hearing about Fodder School. I knew I’d found art heaven and the rest is history.

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How long have you been in Fodder School and what keeps you coming back each year?

This is my 5th year and it’s mainly the teachers and learning new things that bring me back. I’ve been following several of them on instagram for ages so I knew I liked their style, but every year I find one or two more whom I hadn’t heard of, whose art really speaks to me. There’s also that feeling of camaraderie among the students and that we’re part of something global and I like being part of that.

How has Fodder School influenced your creative journey or daily art practice?

It has definitely increased my skills but I think most importantly it has taught me what I really like and don’t like, particularly when it comes to colour choice. I’ve always loved neutrals and admire art like that but I can’t use it myself…I like colour and lots of it, mostly warm - pinks, yellows, orange, raspberry red with a hint of cools particularly turquoise and limey green and with splashes of black and white. I am now retired so can make art any day I want….I’m very grateful for that.

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What’s one project, technique, or lesson from FS that completely lit you up?

A lot have thrilled me but the one I got most excited about was Angela Kennedy’s lessons. Her work is divine and I thought if there was any way I could draw like her it would blow my mind. I couldn’t believe how much I learned from her and was amazed at what I was able to achieve….it really boosted my confidence. Probably my most surprising one was this November with Arlyna So. It was so much fun and I could have kept making our little fodder dex cards forever. In fact some of us are going to try and make one for each month for the rest of FS5.

How would you describe the Fodder School community in three words?

Friendly, supportive and encouraging.

One piece of encouragement for a brand-new student?
DO NOT compare your art to anyone else’s. We are all at different stages and all have different tastes. Remember we all started as beginners and had to learn things to get to where we are now. I’ve been here for 5 years and still have heaps to learn.