Vital Connections

The importance of connection was never more apparent, than in these past few years during Covid. No matter where we lived, most of us have had to endure separation from our friends and loved ones, close and far. The term 'isolation' was not just something we experienced physically, but also mentally. In this surrealistic painting, I have used the an arid Australian outback to stage the metaphor, expressing the emotional distance of isolation. The trees in this composition, are connected by a checked pathway, creating a 'Vital connection,' expressing the importance of human connection during challenging times in life.

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Cathy Gilday views art as a powerful form of personal expression, allowing her to convey her emotions through her work. Although she acknowledges that this process can be confronting, Cathy finds it incredibly liberating to create art that is both honest and heartfelt. She embraces a wide range of mediums, always remaining open to new techniques and materials as she explores the creative process.

Her painting sessions are often immersive, with Cathy losing herself in the act of creation. For her, time becomes irrelevant as she allows each piece to unfold naturally. She believes that art should never be rushed or forced; instead, it should evolve at its own pace, guided by intuition and feeling.

Cathy's artwork is featured in private collections across the globe, including in Australia, Germany, Hong Kong, Italy, Japan, Scotland, Switzerland, the UK, and the USA. Additionally, her creations have been showcased in Australian productions such as *The Bureau of Magical Things* and the 2023 ABC series *In Limbo*.

Throughout her career, Cathy has generously donated many of her pieces to support various charitable causes. These include the Leukemia Foundation, the Breast Cancer Foundation, Save Lives Donate Organs Inc., IWaG I Want a Greyhound Inc., Greyhound Rehoming, and the Incognito nonprofit organization.