Catherine Pyfrom
Catherine Pyfrom contributes to New Brunswick's cultural landscape with her vivid and expressive art, which reflects her Bahamian roots through vibrant tropical motifs. Her work, characterized by rich portrayals of nature, offers a distinctive and refreshing perspective within the local arts community.
Inspiration and Creative Process
Pyfrom’s artistic process begins with an attraction to vibrant colours, which she describes as the spark behind her creativity. This fascination is reflected in her subjects, which range from the lush pinks of flamingos to the deep blues of oceanic creatures. She organizes her creative phases by alternating between different works: "When I get tired of so much pink in a flamingo, I shift and work on a turtle or ray before returning to the first canvas." This method helps maintain her enthusiasm and productivity across multiple projects.
The slow start to each piece gradually gains momentum as colours fill the canvas, driving her towards completion. Pyfrom explains, "The beginning of a new piece is relatively slow, but as more colours make it onto the canvas, the more motivated I get to complete the piece." Her emotional connection to her work adds depth and intimacy to each piece.
Evolving Artistic Focus
In recent years, Pyfrom's art has embraced a new muse: birds. This shift was inspired by her parents, avid bird watchers, and has led her to explore the intricate details of feathers. "Painting feathers has been a unique and challenging aspect that I’ve grown to love," she says, illustrating her adaptability and willingness to explore new artistic frontiers.
The journey from flowers and sea creatures to avian subjects marks a significant evolution in her style, which remains rooted in tropical themes. She’s also experimenting with new mediums and techniques, such as acrylic pours and coloured pencil portraits.
Challenges and Solutions in Art
Starting a new piece is often the most daunting part of her process, overwhelmed by a multitude of ideas. Pyfrom’s strategy involves simultaneously managing several pieces to navigate this challenge effectively. "I’d rather work on a piece than start a new one," she admits, showcasing her practical approach to overcoming artistic blocks.
Signature Works and Techniques
Among her recent works, a painting of a Kingfisher bird stands out as a favourite. She captures the bird's vibrant plumage in exquisite detail, bringing its elusive beauty to the forefront. "Kingfishers are beautiful but they’re small birds and can be difficult to view up close," Pyfrom shares, highlighting her desire to bring nature closer to her audience.
Her preferred mediums are acrylic paint on canvas and pencil on paper, valuing the control and detail these materials afford. Her fondness for small brushes, even on larger pieces, underscores her meticulous approach to art.
Future Directions and Community Engagement
Pyfrom is currently focused on rebuilding her portfolio after the devastation of Hurricane Dorian, which claimed much of her previous work. Her future plans include expanding her online presence and exploring more digital sales channels.
Her involvement in New Brunswick’s Summerville Art Festival was great for networking within the local art community, affirming her place within the artistic landscape.
Words of Wisdom
For aspiring artists, Pyfrom offers encouragement grounded in the intrinsic value of creation: "You are an artist if you make art. It doesn’t matter if you ever sell a piece of your art. It’s the process of creating that matters." She emphasizes self-belief and perseverance, reminding artists that the reception of art is subjective and varied.
Through her work and philosophy, Pyfrom adds a luminous chapter to New Brunswick's artistic narrative, proving that art can indeed be a source of light in a complex world. Her continued exploration and evolution promise to enhance the cultural landscape of the region for years to come. View more art by Catherine Pyfrom.
