Cathy Key
Cathy Key, Ph.D. is a British-Canadian mixed media artist whose work explores the portrait as a space of transformation, interconnectedness and contemplation.
With a Ph.D. in Anthropology and over 30 years of experience in yoga and ecstatic dance, Cathy approaches art as a form of inquiry and participation. The portrait is not simply an image of a person. It is a ritual space: a reflection of interconnectedness, emergence and the living intelligence of the natural world.
Within the framework of portrait as ritual, portraiture is a bridge between inner and outer worlds, a way of marking transformation, invoking connection and remembering our place within the larger fabric of life.
Built through many layers of collage, acrylic, inks and translucent glazes, her paintings weave together botanical forms, geometric structures and luminous human figures. Influenced by nineteenth-century naturalists who saw no separation between art, science and spirituality, the work invites viewers into contemplative encounters that are both intimate and expansive.
If you want to know more about Cathy's story and her unique approach to the creative process, her book is an accessible and inspiring starting point.
The Art Sūtras is a limited edition collection of Cathy's signature mixed-media portraits.
Crafted with the care of a gallery piece and printed to the highest archival standards, this signed and numbered edition is limited to just 300 copies. It features a curated body of work from 2010-2025, including new and unseen artworks.
Exhibitions
Sacred Forms, a joint exhibition with sculptor Louise Solecki Weir, is currently showing at the Cowichan Public Art Gallery.
In 2026 Cathy exhibited at the Sooke Fine Arts Show and Art Vancouver. She has won the People's Choice Award (2023) and the Award of Excellence (2026) from the Sooke Fine Arts Show. She was also long-listed by Beautiful Bizarre Art Prize for the RAYMAR Painting Award.
Cathy's work has attracted collectors internationally. She was featured in the 2024 GOLD LIST by Art Market Magazine.
Featured Work
New work available now