CATHY GRAY

In  2004 shortly after Cathy’s’ daughter was born she knew instinctively that she needed to access her creativity both for her mental wellbeing and the desire to create.  Her outlook and connection with the earth changed with her birth.  Having a deep respect of the natural world, recognising the need to tread softly, go slow and see the beauty within nature.

Over time Cathy dabbled in different mediums but always returned pen and ink.  In 2006, she created her first mandala and knew she had found her passion. The connection she felt to the circle has become her solace….in the beginning is the end and in the end is the beginning. Cathy’s’ love of small details had led her to intricate drawings taking anywhere from 100 to 300 hours to complete. The long hours lead her to no longer seek instant gratification but to see beauty in the things that take time.  It has been a natural progression for to combine both her love of the circle with her passion for nature and the need to preserve what we have.  In 2022 Cathy’s work, “Endangered” was awarded the Dr Wendy Wicks People’s Choice Award, as part of the Waterhouse Natural Science Art Prize as well as being “highly Commended”. It is now publicly held in the Plant Bank in NSW at Mt Annan. Cathy also went on to win the Woman in Innovations Awards for the Arts, “Annual Winnovation Awards recognise the South Australian women who are contributing to the state’s innovation economy by creating jobs, wealth and solutions to address some of the world’s biggest problems and creating positive change” and was named one of the 21 South Australians to watch for 2023 by The Advertiser.

Cathy’s work is hand drawn in archival ink mostly using .03mm Copic multiliner.  The delicacy is reminiscent of an embroiderer’s needlework and in particular, lace.  The complexity of design and exquisite execution are evidence of Cathy’s devotion to her work. Her intricate and finely detailed works demonstrate a radial balance, drawing our gaze from the centre point.  The circle, considered the perfect shape in Ancient Greek culture, has been associated with both divine and natural symmetry.  It represents balance and can often symbolise harmony and unity.  Cathy’s works evoke harmonious balance and the peace felt creating the works is transferred to the viewer.  They invite quiet contemplation and introspection. The mandala can be found across all cultures and many religions, as Carl Jung suggested the mandala is a representation of self, and has a calm and focusing effect on the creator. 

Over the last 9 years Cathy has incorporated teaching into her business. With the focus on wellbeing and mental health increasing her class’s offer tools for both mindfulness and relaxation. The workshops have been developed to compliment wellbeing programs participants may already have in place.  Cathy currently teaches as an incursion from years 2 – 12 both in the public and private education system.  She has been invited to hold workshops at the Adelaide University, Cancer Care, Can-do, Coles and many other businesses.  She consistently collaborates with Roaming Zen and Untamed Escapes to bring wellness retreats throughout the year. She currently holds monthly workshops for adults and students in her studio in Bridgewater in the Adelaide Hills. 

2022 saw the release of Cathy’s first book The Divine Mandala Journal. A journal designed just for you. A beautiful place to learn about the magic of the mandala and a way to integrate them into your daily life.  My intention for this book was to not only write an instructional mandala book, but to give you the pages in between to draw, reflect and journal. My hope is that whilst finding the space and time to draw, you will experience the mindfulness needed to slow down and check in with yourself.  The pages are full of resources to help you live a calm and present life.