Cathy Sawtell has a style all her own. Always surrounded by a family of artists, for the past 30 years she has created her unique artwork which reflects her view of the world and the importance she places on nature, women’s place and influence on the world and the experiences she’s had in various places and times.
With grave concerns for the state of the world, Sawtell paints primarily in black and white with injections of colour to reflect her hope for the future.
“It’s very interpretive,” she said with a smile.
Married to her Italian husband Luca, Sawtell spent the last three years living in a small medieval town, Peccioli, in Tuscany where her work turned to a more internal, emotional reaction to her mixed emotions of living in another country, unable to speak the language and missing her beloved Canada.
“I loved being an artist in Italy and met many wonderful people, but I was very lonely and missed Canada very much,” she said.
One such encounter with a Muslim woman, moved Sawtell to paint a picture of an incomplete, unrealized woman of great beauty but definitely surpressed by an overbearing, chauvinistic husband.
“We were not allowed much communication but she inspired me to paint,” she said.
While in Italy, she had a rare opportunity to have her work viewed by legendary Italian art critic Vittorio Sgarbi. Although known for his unorthodox and often scathing reviews, Sgarbi spent considerable time looking over her work on display and focused on one piece which he called interesting. Sawtell was overwhelmed by his attention and felt it was a highlight of her career so far.
Sawtell admits she doesn’t have a defined idea about what her paintings will be, but rather when she takes brushes or other tools in hand she allows her inspiration to guide her, often the work a surprise to her as well.
With many of her canvases including women, the artist rarely paints faces as she wants the viewer to see themselves in the work.
Upon returning to Canada with Luca, Sawtell, whose history is wrapped up in Northern B.C., tried a few locations before realizing Quesnel was where they wanted to be.
In a snug little apartment on the Westside, they are happy to leave the front door open, let the sun shine in and for Sawtell, paint all day.
“Painting every day is my passion,” she said.
Primarily an acrylic painter, Sawtell has recently diversified from her canvas work, experimenting with painting on utilitarian items such as tables and household items.
“The painting on furniture and objects is what I want to pursue right now,” she said.
“I enjoy it so much and it allows for almost three-dimensional work – such a challenge.”
With various themes, including African savannahs, ocean scenes with eagles soaring overhead and various wildlife scenes, the tables are low, substantial, functional tables that happen to display a decorative top which has been treated to increase it’s functionality.
With attention to mood, realizism and artistic expression, Sawtell is marketing these tables either from her home, 250-992-3772 or through Bed, Baskets and Beyond at the top of Dragon Lake Hill. You can also view her work on her Facebook page Just a Little Art and Soul.
“I’m proud of what I do and I want the people who buy my art to take pride in owning something I painted,” she said.
“It’s such a thrill when someone likes my work enough to purchase it.”