CONVERSATIONS IN TEXT : CAT THORNE

Cat Thorne at her FTS exhibition - courtesy of the artist

For our next conversation with an artist, we decided to catch up with Cat Thorne, at her latest exhibition, at FTS in Cheltenham.

Seeking some exciting opportunities to show her work in different spaces, Cat responded to an invitation by the espresso bar to hang her work, print some t-shirts and hold an event coinciding with fashion week; and we sat down with her to talk all about how it went and what other ideas she has for thinking outside the box when it comes to connecting with her audience.

We jump right in to the details, difficulties and joys of hanging and curating a show in a non-traditional space:

CT : I think that's the bit I can find the hardest, the actual hanging of a show. You think it's going to be quite straightforward, but it's not. So it's almost a relief if someone else has got quite a good eye and they can help you with that.

AOS : I suppose you've spent a lot of time with the work, so it can be hard to see what works best; you've got your own favourites, so you have to think about if that influences how it ends up being hung.

CT : I think that's right, because I think what happens is when you paint something, once you finish it, you have to detach yourself from it for a while. And then I find it's when I go back after a while that I really think: I do like that.

EC : Do you put them away? literally, hide them away from yourself and then come back?

CT : It depends. At the moment, I'm obviously going through this phase, and I'm really enjoying it. The fashion girls are really grabbing me, and so I would have all these around me. But there's old work that has led me to this point, which I have put away. And when I do look at it, I can see more in it now than I did at the time.

Cat Thorne - Gucci Gang

AOS : I think you can see the development of your figures. There's a lot more detail in some of these than in some of the looser ones you were doing before. I think you've really jumped into this theme and really explored it, which has been amazing. We've seen a lot of artists who do just one or two in a theme and then move on, but you're really pursuing your idea and really getting an understanding and depth with it because it means something to you.

CT : It's what's coming out of me. That's how I've evolved, and I'm really happy in this space; I don't want this to change. Obviously, it's good if I develop or if I go bigger or something like that. But each time I do a body of work, there's kind of a theme or a feel. For instance, there was a lot to do with a Marie Antoinette style with this work.

EC : Was that style something that you were doing purposely, or was that from just the fashion that you found yourself gravitating towards?

CT : Well, it's been around, hasn't it? So I've always said that I'm influenced by popular culture, and what's happening at the time. Obviously, I absorb the things I like, like in films and culture. I love film, especially when it is very artistically presented, so that influences me. But I think you do it subconsciously, I don't think you're necessarily always aware of why.

AOS : We've been writing quite a bit and talking to a lot of artists about doing the things that they love to do. And I think that's a really important part of exploring our artwork to the fullest extent. Going down every rabbit hole, not trying to play to the gallery, but actually just making the work that's true to you, and that's what you're really doing. From this, can you see a development, where you want to go next with it, or are you going to keep going with exploring this?

CT  : I think I'm going to keep going. I love the characters. I love it. I mean, I really get joy from it.

Cat Thorne - Fashion Girls

EC : I feel like you can see that. Like the way you play with texture and pattern and the materials. If you didn't love it, there just wouldn't be the same care and attention in the work.

AOS : Do you find images out there and compose your paintings beforehand, or do you just sort of freehand them? And are these characters in your head? Or do you start with the fashion first and then build the characters into it?

CT : I think that the characters are already in my head. Characters I've just absorbed from looking at fashion or cinema. And then it's the ones that make me feel something; I like the look on their face, or the face has reminded me of something, that I want to capture. Not necessarily the likeness of a face, because that's not why I'm doing it, but I'm trying to capture that movement, what it's making me feel, or why I'm drawn to it.

EC : Do you find you're continually drawn to certain fashion designers?

CT : Yeah, I think so. I like the way certain fashion designers show their work, and I obviously do like certain aesthetics. But I think that you just keep going, and the aesthetics change with development. So it doesn't necessarily mean that I would want to do the same forever, but I have to keep doing what I'm loving to see how that develops.

AOS : Yeah, I think that's a real ethos that we're trying to talk to artists about. I think it's the basis for making good work, to get really invested in it. I also love how you framed this work. I like the styles, how you are able to mix and match with the frames, and that they all work together. Is that something you spend a lot of time on? Is it quite an intuitive process?

CT : I am very drawn to interiors. So I find the framing quite intuitive; it's not difficult for me. I like that side of it; it's almost part of the art, bringing the picture together. So I paint the picture, and then I like to feel out the frame for it.

EC : Did you bring everything here with you? Or did you make selections at home before coming down with the work?

Cat Thorne artwork at her exhibition at For The Saints

CT : I bought the majority of what I've churned out recently. But there are still quite a few bits at home that I haven't brought in, purely because I haven't framed them yet. Because it comes down to money all the time, as you know, and so you have to make decisions about what you frame for now.

EC : I find that the curating of work or the decision-making is almost just as hard as the actual hanging. Like you said before, sometimes it's really nice to get someone else's eye. I find it can be hard to self-edit.

CT : Yeah, it's actually very hard to do that. But I guess the more you do it, and if people say they like it, then it makes you think: well, if they like it, then I have to stand back from my own insecurity, and take that step and just put it out there.

At the end of the day, everybody likes different things. And some people come in and say; God, that's dreadful. But that's what you're in it for, isn't it? You can't not have that side of it. It's always going to be there. And, actually, if I like it, I don't really care!

AOS : I think that's exactly the attitude you've got to have! I think it's about saying I just love this so much; if you don't like it, that's fine, because I love it. It's not for you, it's for me. And so in terms of feedback, has that been something you've been able to get? Have you been able to chat with staff? Have they passed on things that people say? I've noticed a couple of sold stickers around.

Cat Thorne T-shirts

CT : I've had some positive feedback. And we've sold a few of the pictures. Some that are gone; they've taken them, and then some of the little ones have sold but not been taken yet. The t-shirts have been good; I've had a lot of people still contacting me for them. So I'm really just testing the water, seeing what happens. I've certainly found this experience very good so far.

EC : And you did an event here, didn't you? An opening or private view. How did that go?

CT : Brilliant! That's right, yes. It was fantastic. I was very busy on the night, so it was difficult to get around and spend a lot of time with each person, but I did try my best.

EC : Did you invite specific people, or did you leave it open to the general public?

CT : Well, I obviously invited people that I had contact with from previous shows. And then Sam, who is the event's coordinator here (for JM Socials) she had a list and invited some influencers along and people interested in fashion, and such.

AOS : That's exactly the right idea. If you're going to build an event, invite people, and make sure that the right kind of people are coming down.

EC : Yes, I think really knowing your audience. Inviting people who have an interest in your subject matter - for you, fashion - is such a key thing to do. Because, like you said, not everyone loves the same thing, so putting yourself and your work in front of the people who are likely to like what you're doing seems like a really great move.

CT : Yeah, a lot of it is about finding an audience, I think. Because if you're just putting your workout there, and you're not really getting a handle on that, then I think you're not doing yourself a favour. I think you do need to invest time in that as well.

Cat Thorne at her exhibition at FTS - courtesy of JM Socials

AOS : I think you're right. I think as an independent artist, you do have to spend time on the marketing side of things. And either you find someone who's able to find that audience for you and connect with them and build it up, or you just get out on the street and start speaking with people about it.

CT : It depends on what you want out of the whole experience, doesn't it?

EC : I think so. And I think it's good to be open to different ideas and different spaces. I think being open to opportunities, like this was for you, is a really good thing.

AOS : And in terms of an outlook for this show, besides sales, obviously that's important, but was there a driving force behind why you wanted to show here? Did they approach you, or did you approach them?

CT : Well, Sam approached me because she came to my exhibition at Gardens Gallery, and she thought my work would go well in here. The fashion would fit the audience and the people they have coming in here. So I was up for it, because I do like the vibe and the feel of it here. And obviously, there was a question of, you know, how will you hang it? But I must say that Mimi really did a good job. And I think it was just that I liked the feel of the place and the liveliness, which kind of goes with the fashion!

AOS : Also, I think a place populated with people really mirrors the artwork as well. There's a kind of reflection in that.

EC : And there's lots of texture and pattern and busyness going on in here, which also complements your work, which I think works really nicely.

Cat Thorne - Strawberry Trouser Suit

AOS : Is there a plan for where this work or exhibition will go next?

CT : Well, possibly they want some of the work for another of their restaurants, but I'm not sure yet. But, also, one of my properties up on Leckhampton Hill has very modern architecture, and so I'm going to do something there. I'm quite happy to build an audience through, not necessarily always going into a gallery, but doing soirees. My home has good architecture that could carry the work, a bit like a gallery, so I'd like to do something there.

EC : A bit like a modern salon, that's a really lovely idea.

AOS : Yeah, I think it connects with an 'artist studios' feel. But also creating a time where, like you say, you can host drinks and dinner or something and introduce people to the work that way. And if you've got the home to do it, and it works well for the work, I think that's a lovely alternative way to connect with people.

CT : So I think in the times we're living in, you need to be able to do that. A few years ago, I had a business with a friend of mine, and we did a few soirees up at the house, and it was really successful. It was quite a good experience, so it put the idea in my head again of maybe doing something like that.

AOS : I think your approach to showcasing in different spaces is something that we really want to champion. I think it's a great opportunity to encourage other artists to think outside the box with the way they showcase their work. Like you said, things are difficult, and so showing work in different spaces, whether it's galleries, cafes, homes, or online, can give artists a different perspective.

If there was one thing to pass on, in terms of what you learned about doing this show, what would that be?

Cat and Mimi at FTS in Cat Thorne T-shirts - courtsey of FTS

CT : I think it's just been a great experience. It's made me want to do more. I mean, I think you just have to put yourself out there and see what happens. You know, we've had sales, that's been good, and I've definitely had people contacting me more and following me on Instagram and things.

EC : And I think that's so important, actually. As you mentioned, Sam contacted you from a different show, which led to this. I think the more you put yourself out there, you can get those valuable little nuggets of connection, and you don't know where those will lead.

AOS : And finding real fans who do build those connections with you, and who will come to see more of your work elsewhere.

CT : Yes, I think definitely it's important to try and find your audience. I think that's been a key for me. And I think you just need to spend the time. Nothing happens overnight. It's all a slow process, but you get little moments of joy. It's just about keeping at it, I think, and those who do win the day. It all just depends on what you want out of it, doesn't it?

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We really enjoyed our chat with Cat, we learned a lot about taking opportunities, expanding how you see your work and the spaces it can be seen in, and thinking about your audience! We hope you got as much from it as we did!

You can connect with Cat and her work over on her portfolio, and of course get in touch with her about buying her beautiful Tee's and keep an eye out for details on upcoming events!

CAT'S PORTFOLIO

Have questions? Drop them in the comments. We'd love to hear your thoughts!