The Artist at Work
Vision and Process
Welcome to my adventures in Catherine's Legacy!
When I began to work in Communications for the Sisters of Mercy Regional Community of New Jersey, I was given the opportunity to delve into computer graphics, which I have found so exciting! I took some courses and discovered I was learning new ways to use the talent I've always had. My whole background in fine arts and art education enhances my graphic expression. I continue to learn more every day. Adobe Photoshop is my constant companion. It is also my vehicle for Catherine's Legacy!
My creative designs came about in a fascinating way. In my mind I was toying with the idea of overlapping translucent planes of photos, drawings and color. I began in the summer of 2005 to "explore with tools" in Adobe Photoshop. And one day I seemed to get somewhere! The more I worked at it, the more it unfolded. I got where I wanted to go and it drove me to go further. It's a new medium for me, and it is exciting, fluid and instant!
Why the title Catherine's Legacy? ... Because Mercy is my theme and my life. Catherine McAuley, shown in a portrait above, founded the Sisters of Mercy in Dublin, Ireland, in 1831. I believe I am carrying out Catherine's Legacy by being a creative, authentic, spiritual woman.
I began with Mercy montage designs, featuring Catherine McAuley and Frances Warde, the first Sister of Mercy to minister in the United States. I wanted to do justice to each of them. I have transformed my designs into prints, note cards and prayer cards. I have also expanded into restoring photos, designing montages and preparing a combination of photos, text and graphics for various representations.
I define my process of creativity as the release of my free-spirited ideas, and spirited in more ways than one! What I find most challenging, is finding the right path to get where I want to go - knowing all the time, there are many paths to get me there; sometimes I stumble on things, and I find that so exciting.
The past has been full, active and fulfilling. So one day at a time I will pursue this exploration and enjoy the journey. I have met so many wonderful and gracious Sisters, Mercy Associates and friends in this Catherine McAuley Ministry. It brings me great joy. I do hope that you too will enjoy my adventures!