The Edge Knows The Rock Is

….is the title of this exhibition, a collaborative between artist Brooke Holve and myself. The works become a visual conversation born out of a shared experience of an art residency in Eastern Iceland. We stayed 1 month at Seydisfjordur, a small town facing the Norwegian Sea.

Showing ar Hammerfriar Gallery Healdsburg, California,

Feb 1st -April 30 2025

THE EDGE KNOWS

THE ROCK IS

Catherine: Working with Brooke is a constant source of inspiration. Her playful approach

to language, meticulous craftsmanship, and patience complement my own creative

process in unique and exciting ways.

Our collaboration is deeply rooted in shared experiences at artist residencies in

Seydisfjordur, Eastern Iceland on an edge of a fjord, facing the confluence of the North

Atlantic and Arctic Oceans; the other in Ballinskellig, southwest Ireland, on a windswept

peninsula jutting out on the edges of the Atlantic. During month-long residencies in each

location, we immersed ourselves in these wild, untamed environments, engaging with and

witnessing the powerful geological forces that shape the region.

Brooke: I met Catherine during a residency at Lucid Arts in Inverness, California. Although

we participated in the solo residency a year apart, we first encountered each other’s work

at a residency event. I was immediately drawn to her experimental approach, involving a

wide variety of materials and processes—frozen inks, erratic splashes, random

arrangements—a freedom that was captivating. She played with natural processes,

constantly asking “What if?” and embracing the uncertainty of where those questions

might lead. Her process resonated deeply with my own approach to making—one of

exploration and discovery into the unknown.

Our experiences at these residencies sparked many conversations throughout our

collaboration. Conversations between us, between our work and about the actively

changing landscapes around us. We observed and discussed the natural processes that

shape a region, the unfinished nature of landscapes, and our unique practices of making,

unmaking, remaking. Above all, we focused on process over immutable form. This

exhibition reflects the essence of these ongoing conversations.

We’re both fascinated by edges, rocks, and geology—though we’re not entirely sure why.

There’s something profoundly captivating about the earth’s ancient, primal forces. This

geological phenomena with all of its unexpected upheavals, serves as a gateway to a

deeper connection and engagement with the earth itself..

Catherine Richardson | Brooke Holve

Studio London Oct 1 2024

The Art Factory in West London is perfect for now; 20 studios and supportive studio mates. I've been able to keep up a routine of working a full 5 days a week interrupted, necessarily so, by visits to friends and family in and around London or in Somerset. Living within quick and easy access to culture laden London is amazing.

When I first arrived Yoko Ono retrospective was showing at The Tate Modern, really great to get a persective from a time distance on how she was instigating various art movements of her day and stays loyal to her vision now.

Last week I visited the Royal Academy to see a retrospective of Michael Craig-Martin. Although not someone I've followed he writes well about his place in art history and the show is brilliant.

I can’t recall all the amazing artwork I’ve seen this Spring &Summer. Took a trip north into Hertfordshire to visit Henry Moore’s Studio and gardens. 70 acres with his work in their best life. Then Hauser & Wirth Somerset for the amazingly powerful work of Phyllida Barlow. Royal Sculpture Society to see some very contemporary sculpture/3D pieces and the majectic Tate Britain to visit some contemporary installations, Turner Prize winners and favourite classic collections such as David Hockney, Patrick Heron, J.W Waterhouse (Lady of Shalott0

Leaving London for a few months, going to Austin Texas on Oct 6, taking the rolled canvases and paper works in super cardboard tubes as "extra baggage" on the flight.

My collaborator, Brooke Holve and I are scheduled to meet up in November to arrange and edit our exhibition in Northern California showing in February 2025. Notifications will find their way into your inboxes, social media and by word-of-smiley-mouths. Previous to that event will be a sale of my prints (from original artwork) coming very soon and my annual special offer series of small works.

It's an interesting challenge to go back and forth with an art career. Networking, sticking around to see "things" through pose disadvantages and opportunities. Great to escape wildly hot summers, (Texas), and chilly wet Winters, (London).

Erosion study.

3D sketching with wood, mesh, chamois, tape, burlap, plaster.

Studio Wall

Another studio wall