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Ottawa's katerina mertikas - Ottawa At Home

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however, and she didn’t feel ready for thatlast level of commitment because of thetime it would take to build up and sustaina body of work.Even though you would be hard pressedto spot one of her own paintings hanging inher home, the busy artist nurtures her creativeside with a collection of canvases bylocal and emerging artists. “I look around atother artists in my home and I’m in awe ofeverything they do,” she says. And she oftenfinds that she is inspired in her own work bythe paintings around her.Supporting up-and-coming artists is veryimportant to Catherine, who says that collectingtheir work is her way of giving themthe credibility they deserve, even if theynever become big-time artists. She notes thatalthough she is shy about her own work, shecan relate to the feeling of legitimacy thatcomes from selling a painting.Ever since her brother gave her a paintingfrom an emerging artist in the Ukraine tostart her collection, Catherine hasn’t lookedback. When shopping for new art, she relieson instinct and is frequently drawn to bright,vivid paintings. “Colour is my candy,” she saysof her collection, which is as rich and variedas her own work.The very first painting Catherine boughtherself was hanging in Wallack’s Art Supplieson Bank Street. She was stocking up on suppliesand when she asked the cashier abouta study of a bright, tropical flower, she discoveredthat the cashier was the artist herself.She bought that painting, along withanother one from the same artist. “I alwaystry to have two paintings from an artist, ifpossible,” she explains. “That way, it tells youa bit of a story and it makes more of an impactstatement.”Over the years, the artist has expanded hercollection by visiting small local galleries, artshows, and art-in-the-park events, sometimeswaiting years to find the perfect piece. Still, thehunt is half the fun for Catherine whose approachto art is straightforward and unpretentiouswith the advice: “If you love it, buy it.”Recently, on a rare quiet morning, shefelt inspired by a bouquet of lilacs picked byher son and immediately set up her easel. Alittle while later her “personal art critics” arrivedback home and admired her progress,and this was her signal that it was time toput the painting on hold until a quieter time,which was fine with her. “I’m a mother firstand happy to be that,” she says. “But exercisingmy creative side will always bring mecontentment and personal balance.”Saturday, October 3, 2009A Magical Evening withYO-YO MASponsorship opportunities still available.For information contact Jennifer Brown at 613-947-7000 ext. 578.www.nac-cna.caNAC BOX OFFICE MON.-SAT. 10 a.m.- 9 p.m.GROUPS 10+ 613-947-7000 x634 | grp@nac-cna.caMedia Partnersseptember/october | oah | 17

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