“I’ve been through some adversity in my life, but have discovered that when I paint, I don’t think about the past, I don’t worry about the future – I focus on the now,” Catherine Connor (1979).
Step into the vibrant world of Catherine Connor (1979), an artist residing in the remote town of Ramingining, NT. Her artistic journey is fuelled by the local tapestry of events, people, dogs, coloured rubbish bins and houses, and the captivating bush, all of which breathes life into her paintings, each one telling a captivating real-life story.
In 2001, Catherine embarked on her creative journey by attending three different art studios. However, esteemed artists Murray Gill, Brian Simmonds, and Jean Paul dismissed her as the worst student, for she fearlessly followed her own creative path. Despite this discouragement, she went on to create a commissioned piece, one that still adorns the walls of Mount Hospital. Catherine then temporarily set aside her paintbrushes, only to rediscover her passion upon finding herself captivated by the sheer beauty of her surroundings in Ramingining.
Overcoming a battle with anxiety and depression, Catherine heeded her psychologist’s advice and began painting once more. Drawing inspiration from everything she sees around her, she transforms her observations into breathtaking works of art. Her talent has been acknowledged in various prestigious art awards, including her standing as a finalist in The Senior Portrait Awards in Darwin in 2021 and her receipt of the Highly Commended Artist Award at the PLC OCA Art Exhibition in 2022. Affectionately known as Kitty, Catherine remains persistent in her pursuit of recognition, submitting her art to renowned competitions such as SULMAN and Archibald each year, though luck has yet to befall her.
An unexpected twist occurred when Catherine unintentionally received a shipment of black canvases while ordering her first canvas. Embracing this serendipitous mistake, she has since made black canvas her medium of choice, infusing her artwork with a captivating and unique charm.
Beyond her artistic endeavors, Catherine dedicates her weekdays to serving as an outreach nurse. Her focus lies in improving the health outcomes of young mothers and babies during the crucial first three years of their lives.
Recently, she embarked on a new adventure by participating in the reality show ‘The Summit’ in an attempt to further challenge herself and inspire others to do the same.
Catherine is also a talented photographer and is a finalist in the single shot category of the Photographer of the Year Award for the Australian Photography Magazine. We hope to see examples of her incredible photography in the 2024 OCA Art Exhibition.
Catherine’s honest and vibrant pieces will be on display and available for sale at the OCA Art Exhibition:
Opening Night Cocktail Party
- Date: Friday 9 June
- Time: 6.00 pm to 9.00 pm
- Venue: PLC Senior School Gallery (entry McNeil Street)
- Tickets: Please click here to book your tickets for the Opening Night Cocktail Party
Exhibition Open All Weekend
- Dates: Saturday 10 June and Sunday 11 June
- Time: 10.00 am to 4.00 pm
- Venue: PLC Senior School Gallery (entry McNeil Street)
- Tickets: Entry is via a gold coin donation