This month’s art is by Kelowna, British Columbia-based illustrator Catie St. Jacques. Katie describes herself as “a gentle person with a great respect for life.”
Regarding this month’s theme, she says: “Gratitude changes everything. Feeling and expressing gratitude expands your consciousness and changes your perspective. It radiates from my heart, guides me through life, and enters everything I touch. I imagine it.”
If you want to know a little more about Catie, check out our short Q&A.
Where is home for you?
Kelowna, British Columbia, Canada.
What is your definition of a successful life?
Wake up every day enjoying your work, stay healthy in body and mind, and spend time with your loved ones.
Describe your perfect day.
Explore nature, feel the sunshine and cool breeze, move your body, eat nutritious and delicious food, laugh, and experience peace of mind. Feel the joy of being alive.
How did you get into the world of design?
It all started when I was working in marketing at an art center. My boss wanted to create a magazine for the center, but we didn’t have the people (and the budget) to create it. I’ve always been a creative person, but I wasn’t very familiar with design programs. My partner Dustin is a graphic designer and he taught me what I needed to know to get the job done. I realized I liked it more than marketing and continued to learn and explore. In 2020, I quit my job and pursued freelance graphic design.
Where do you get your inspiration from?
Inspiration is everywhere. I believe that there is creative power within everything. It’s all art. Spending time in nature allows me to focus on my creativity, and listening to music really opens my mind.
What is your dream design project?
Everything up to this point was a dream. I’m just grateful to be able to make a living this way. To be honest, I’m appalled that this is my job.
Who are the designers and thinkers who influence or inspire you?
My influences change regularly. You might randomly come across someone or a style of design. You’ll be obsessed with it for a while, but then you’ll be obsessed with something else. It’s hard to choose a favorite. There is so much beauty out there that I can’t narrow it down.
What is the inspiration behind this design?
Most of my designs are aimed at sharing energy. The inspiration for most of my work comes from the spiritual realm. When I made this, I was listening to a lot of Ram Dass.
How does the theme of gratitude affect your life?
Basically, I’m a worrier and easily feel stress. Shifting my energy from a fearful state of mind to a loving state of mind is very important to my mental health. One of the best ways to change your energy is to be grateful. Gratitude finds its way into my life in some way, whether it’s counting my blessings, going to the gym, hiking, paddleboarding, listening to music, or having deep and meaningful conversations. I usually just need to relax, find my center, and let everything fall back into place.
What is your favorite so far…
Color: Peach
Cuisine: Vegan Tacos
Song: Golden Clouds – The Orb featuring Lee Scratch Perry
Quote: “The cave you are afraid to enter holds the treasure you seek.” – Joseph Campbell
