The Artist at Work

A Vision & a Process

Welcome to my adventures in Catherine's Legacy!

When I began to work in Communications for the Sisters of Mercy Regional Community of New Jersey, I was given the opportunity to delve into computer graphics, which I have found so exciting! I took some courses and discovered I was learning ways to use the talent I've always had. My whole background in fine arts and art education enhances my graphic expression. I learn more everyday. Adobe Photoshop is my constant companion. It is also my vehicle for Catherine's Legacy!

My creative designs came about in a fascinating way. In my mind I was toying with the idea of overlapping translucent planes of photos, drawings and color. I began in the summer of 2006 to "explore with tools" in Adobe Photoshop. And one day I seemed to get somewhere! The more I worked at it, the more it unfolded. I got where I wanted to go and it drove me to go further. It's a new medium for me, and it's exciting, fluid, and instant!

Why the title Catherine's Legacy? ...Because Mercy is my theme and my life. Catherine McAuley, shown in a portrait at left, founded the Sisters of Mercy in Dublin, Ireland, in 1831. I believe I am carrying out Catherine's Legacy by being a creative, authentic, spiritual woman.

I began with ten Mercy montage designs, eight of which feature Catherine McAuley, and two, both Catherine McAuley and Frances Warde, shown on right, the first Sister of Mercy to minister in the United States. I wanted to do justice to each of them. I have transformed my designs into prints, note cards and prayer cards. I have also expanded into restoring photos, designing montages and preparing a combination of photos, text and graphics for various representations.

I define my process of creativity as the release of my free-spirited ideas, and spirited in more ways than one! What I find most challenging, is finding the right path to get where I want to go — knowing all the time, there are many paths to get me there. . .sometimes I stumble on things, and I find that so exciting.

The past has been full, active and fulfilling. So one day at a time. . .I will pursue this exploration and enjoy the journey. I do hope that you too, will enjoy my adventures!

— Judy Ward, RSM