Today we’d like to introduce you to Catherine Erb
Alright, so thank you so much for sharing your story and insight with our readers. To kick things off, can you tell us a bit about how you got started?
My journey with art and photography began in high school, when an inspiring art teacher introduced me to the magic of the darkroom. I’ll never forget the first time I watched an image emerge on paper—it felt like witnessing a little miracle. My teacher’s passion and encouragement ignited something in me, helping me see photography not just as a craft, but as a powerful way to tell stories and express emotions. That experience laid the foundation for a lifelong love of capturing and transforming moments in time.
Art quickly became my sanctuary—a space where I could relax, explore, and fully be myself. It’s how I’ve always made sense of the world: documenting life, processing emotions, and creating a visual journal of my journey. Making art has been both a therapeutic escape and a way to connect more deeply with myself and others.
In the late 1990s, as digital cameras and pigment printers were becoming accessible, I found myself at a pivotal moment in both my personal and creative life. With two young daughters at home, the immediacy of digital photography was revolutionary for me. It sparked a new wave of creativity and became the foundation for my exploration of mixed media, blending photography with other techniques to create layered, evocative works of art.
A turning point came when my dear friend and local art guru, Ken Hall, saw my work and encouraged me to share it with others. Ken organized my first show, which opened doors to gallery representation and more exhibitions. Living and working in Memphis has been such a gift—this city has a unique way of nurturing its creatives, fostering a community where artists can grow and thrive.
Looking back, I’m incredibly grateful for the path that has brought me to this moment. Every step, from the early days in the darkroom to the discovery of mixed media, has been a part of my evolution as an artist. For me, it’s about the journey—the growth, the connections, and the constant discovery of new ways to see and express the world around me. Memphis has been the perfect backdrop for that exploration, and I’m honored to contribute to its vibrant creative com
Alright, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
When you’re doing what you love, the road feels smoother, but that doesn’t mean it’s without its challenges. For me, the most difficult moments have been those when I couldn’t create—whether due to life’s demands, emotional hurdles, or the frustration of feeling creatively stuck. Art has always been my way of processing and connecting with the world, so those periods of stagnation can feel especially isolating.
There’s also the natural ebb and flow of being an artist—the uncertainty of how your work will be received or navigating the balance between creativity and the practicalities of life. But I’ve come to see every difficulty as an integral part of the journey. Each struggle has taught me something invaluable about myself, my process, and my purpose.
Over time, I’ve learned to trust the quieter moments, viewing them not as setbacks but as opportunities to reset, reflect, and explore new perspectives. They’ve often led to breakthroughs or shifts in my work that I might not have reached otherwise. These experiences remind me that the creative path is as much about growth and discovery as it is about the art itself.
As you know, we’re big fans of you and your work. For our readers who might not be as familiar what can you tell them about what you do?
My artwork is very process-driven, and for me, that’s where much of the magic happens. Each piece goes through many steps before it’s complete—there’s a rhythm to the process that I find deeply satisfying. For the last 10 years, I’ve been working with encaustic wax and pigments, which has added depth and texture to my art. I start by printing my images onto watercolor paper, then layer them with encaustic wax and pigments. The process allows me to create a sense of atmosphere and emotion that feels almost tangible.
I’m probably best known for my cloud works. My fascination with clouds began in childhood, when I believed I could change their shapes with my thoughts. As I’ve grown, I’ve realized that while my thoughts may not reshape clouds, they certainly shape my experiences and the way I see the world. I’m deeply inspired by Wayne Dyer’s quote, “Change the way you look at things and the things you look at change.” This perspective has become a cornerstone of both my life and my work. I love the idea of encouraging people to take a moment each day to “look up.” There’s something grounding and expansive about noticing the sky—it connects us to something greater, a reminder of both our smallness and our vast potential. Hearing people say that my work inspires them to notice the sky more often fills me with a sense of pride and purpose.
Lately, I’ve started working on mixed-media frescos transferring flower images on panels layered with venetian plaster. These works are inspired by the beautiful, time-worn frescos I’ve seen in books and in Europe. It’s been a rewarding exploration, adding another process to my workflow.
Each series I create tells a story, often one that has been quietly unfolding in my own life. Whether through clouds, frescos, abstract imagery, or portraits of special objects, my work seeks to explore the threads that link us to each other and the world around us.
As for what sets me apart, I’m not sure I believe in that. I believe we are all connected and inspired by each other. I am driven to create work that enhances and celebrates those connections. We’re all part of this shared creative ecosystem, and that’s such a beautiful thing.
We all have a different way of looking at and defining success. How do you define success?
For me, success means living authentically and doing what you love. Waking up each day with the freedom to create is a gift, and that alone feels like enough. I also see growth as a vital part of the journey—staying curious, learning, and finding new ways to express yourself. If my work encourages someone to pause, to ‘look up,’ or to see the world in a new way, then I feel I’ve done something meaningful. At the heart of it, success is about loving connections—with ourselves, with others, and with the world around us.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://catherineerb.com
- Instagram: catherine_erb_art
- Facebook: Catherine Erb Art
