Catherine Caddigan
Catherine Caddigan earned an MFA at the School of the Art Institute of Chicago, followed by 15 years as a graphic designer. From the darkroom to the computer and finally, to mobile devices, she has explored various forms of photography by letting the medium speak to and through her. Since Catherine works intuitively, reacting to her pieces as they unfold the result is a discovery rather than a planned result. Often current cultural and ideological issues emerge ie. women or racial issues. Her subject matter is the world of her, often her self-portrait. This method is extremely well suited to mobile devices. Caddigan has shown her work both in the US and in Europe in galleries and Art Centers. She has been named the winner in her category the JMC and Pollux Awards more than once. Catherine also appears regularly online on websites such and podcasts as the Appwhisperer.
Q&A
Be a Good Neighbor, Digital Photography
What are your earliest memories of being artistic? I remember drawing often as a child. When I was young my mother enrolled my sister and me in an oil painting class. My parents gave me a wooden box which held my oils and brushes. I treasured it.
When did art become a pursuit? I majored in Art in High School. We had a special program for art majors in which we studied various media. I think my art teacher was instrumental. Then I pursued a fine art degree in college and discovered photography.
Are you self-taught or formally educated in visual art? Formally educated, I have an MFA from the School of the Art Institute of Chicago, but today I am always teaching myself new ways of achieving what I want. I use technology that is new to me. I still take classes occasionally.
How did you first become involved with CAA? Through a friend who was a member. I entered the National Prize Show and was accepted, which made me a member.
In what other ways are you involved in the local art community? I am a juried member of the South Shore Art Center in Cohasset and The Menino Art Center in Hyde Park. I have been a juror for a show at MAC and will jury again next fall at the Cape Cod Art Center. I volunteer at CAA and South Shore Art Canter. I am also a member of the National Association Of Women Artists, MA Chapter.
Don’t Take Sides, Digital Photography
What role do you think the artist plays in society? It varies with the artist I think. Some artists convey a message, whether political or social. I believe all artists show us a window into a new way of seeing. Expanding our minds and experience, I think all art does this.
What medium do you currently work in and how did you choose this medium? I work with IOS devices, (an iPhone, and an iPad), I came to this medium by sharing photo collages on an online site and finding other artists working this way. It was a natural progression from Photoshop and I found a great community of artists.
What is your creative process? Where are you finding ideas for your art these days? Covid has made this difficult, I am currently doing a lot of self-portraits. I have always taken an image beyond a simple capture, transforming it to have or imply a larger narrative. I find inspiration from others artists, not necessarily photography, it can be anything, from fiber to sculpture. Nature plays some part as well, as I am out walking every day with my dog. Reading and films inspire me as well.
How do you choose your subject matter? Is there a reoccurring theme that carries throughout your work? I work with a lot of portraits, and I also use digital collages. The subject ranges from very personal to the mundane. I am always capturing the ephemera of life around me to incorporate, creating new levels in the story. Whether it’s an old family photo, a cloud, or a piece of a headline. I build a library of images and visual elements digitally for later use.
In your opinion, what’s your best/favorite piece you’ve made? A portrait of my sister, the title is “Now My Eyes Are Open.” It is a collage of her face with a story over it, about falling in a hole and climbing out until she realizes that she doesn’t have to fall into it.
What is one of your artistic goals? I would like to curate a show with other artists. I would also like to move into the analog world of collage which I have barely started.
What’s your favorite place to see art, and why? I like to go to the MFA, and local exhibitions, but my favorite place has always been MOMA in NYC if I can get there.
What living artists are you inspired by? Stephen Shore, David Hockney, who does a lot of work with an IPad. I like Dorothy Simpson Kraus who makes most books now. I like Stephan Sheffield, a collage artist and photographer from the South Shore, and many others.
Do you own any art by other artists? If so, what artists? Yes, my husband and I have a Cy Twombly Lithograph, a Roger Brown etching, I have a photo by a local artist Lisa Peters, a painting by Susan Ahearn a quilt by Virginia Holloway, and encaustic by Stephenie Robert-Comello. We love having other people’s art in the home.
Do you have any shows coming up? “Forms of Resistance” show at Cambridge College, beginning January 25. Recently I was awarded the winner in my category (Digital Collage, non-professional) in the worldwide 17th Pollux Awards, the winners are invited to show at the FotoNostrum Gallery in Barcelona later this year. This show can be found online. I will also be in an exhibition at the PH 21 Gallery in Budapest “Personality; Contemporary Portraits” from March 10 to April 2, which can also be found online.
See more from Catherine
Instagram: @catherinecaddigan
Facebook: Catherine Schell Caddigan