Catherine Hargreaves

I am based in Lancashire, United Kingdom and have a studio along with other artists and musicians in an East Lancashire town. Although I have a Blackburn address I live very near to the Ribble Valley with my husband and Tigger cat. I am a great people watcher and use this as inspiration in my figurative work. I also enjoy photography, collage and painting murals.

I started work aged 21 in my local hospital, after training as a medical secretary. I obtained a degree in Fine Art as a mature student in 2006. Three of my fellow students and myself opened a studio soon after we graduated. Two years ago I was commissioned to create a painting for St.Joseph's Church in Darwen, Lancashire. The work was 3 ft. x 5 ft. and is a modern day version of Pilate's "washing his hands" of social problems such as homelessness, drug addiction and aids. An image of this painting can be seen on the church's website if you click the "Reproaches" link.

I am a member of Lancashire Artists' Network. My studio colleagues and I have a permanent exhibition in the crypt of Blackburn Cathedral following a very successful joint exhibition in September 2008.