catherine willis-o’connor

canadian artist

Catherine has strong family roots in Ottawa.

She is the granddaughter of Billy Bishop, the world war I flying ace, the great-great granddaughter of Timothy Eaton, the Canadian department store entrepreneur and the great great-granddaughter of Daniel O’Connor, the Ottawa pioneer settler of Bytown now known as the city of Ottawa.

One day as Catherine walked through the neighbourhoods of Ottawa reminiscing about the many family-owned businesses that once existed.  Catherine got emotional and excited.  She had an idea which she had to share – Ottawa – Then and Now.   She wanted to show the transition of Ottawa over the years.  She wanted to capture the memories in bright colour with lots of details in her unique collection of Ottawa – Then and Now.

Each painting tells a story – her story.   As you walk through the neighbourhoods of Ottawa with her as you look at her collection.  The artist invites you to relive your very own memories and stories.   It took Catherine 12 years to share her story through her collection.

 

View Ottawa – Then and Now – Book.  50 $ a copy.

 

Catherine has a studio in Almonte Ontario.  She has studied at the Ottawa School, of Art.  She is a member of the Federation of Canadian Artists and the West Carleton Arts Society.  She is inspired by the work of Canadian artists – Maud Lewis, William Kurelek, Joe Norris and Ottawa’s Robert. Her work has been part of many juried exhibitions.

Gordon and I met Catherine decades ago and her collection is so unique and beautiful that we just had to share it with you.

Phil Emond

Gallerist