Cathy hart
interview with a vaulter
April 2020
It is Friday! No, really it is.
And another Interview with a Vaulter with Cathy Hart.
How’s it going?
Like many creatives, I’m up and down and I’ve a heightened sensitivity to my changing environment. So during the lockdown it’s more important for me to stay in the present with my thoughts and reign in all the floating flotsam and mind chatter. Overthinking is exhausting. Self-care, breathing slowly, going for a run or walk is helping me. I have to limit how often I check the news or anything online for that matter. Zooming has become essential but I find it tiring looking at a screen. It’s heart-warming to see friends but I come away wanting to go for a walk and get outside into the fresh air. I’ve adapted quickly to not working in a school and although I miss the social interaction, I feel that my creativity flourishes better in stillness and out of a place of rest. I’ve suddenly been given more free time.
What is your living situation? Do you have outside space or are you living in an underground bunker?
I moved in with my sister who has a lovely home with a garden and hammock. It’s been good taking time over cooking and meals and sharing creative ideas. I’m thankful for my living situation. It is good living close to the countryside, Comber Way and the Billy Neill park. If I’m out I find myself appreciating the sunsets, cloud formations, branches breezing, heron, ducklings swimming and rabbits darting around the edges. I’m noticing much more. The small moments have become big moments now.
How has the pandemic affected your arts practice?
Good question. Well I’ve switched from making figures in my studio at Vault to outdoor photography. I’ve a lot to learn about photography as I’m allergic to instruction manuals but I want to skill up whilst I’ve got the time. In London I exhibited and sold large metal sculpture suited to garden spaces but since coming back to Belfast, three years ago, I took down my old website. I’m re-evaluating my practice and have gone back to my roots of simply making art for pleasure and interaction.
How are you coping with the temporary closing of the Vault?
I was gutted at the start because I love my studio space. I miss seeing other artists and bouncing ideas off a vibrant and diverse group. It’s so stimulating. I miss hanging out in the Vault members room, having a wee drink, banter and chilling out. The last snooker tournament was memorable. It’s an important social community for me.
What do you appreciate during lockdown?
I’ve noticed people are smiling more. I am thankful for this unstructured time in a way. Slowing down is good for me.
How do you imagine the future after lockdown? For yourself and the wider art world in general.
Well I was reading about the decade of creative change that followed the Great War as the Roaring 20s was an explosion of cultural and artistic innovation. I hope this will be true for now. I hope artists can adapt to all the changes and funding in the arts continues. There may be positive changes like care for the environment and local community. Listening to the song ‘You Gotta Be’ by Des’ree is my song of the moment.
Where can people find you online?