Catherine Russ was born in Ōtautahi Christchurch, Aotearoa New Zealand.

She lives and works in Ōtautahi Christchurch.

Her work explores metamorphosis, heritage, and myth, as well as relationships between individuals, the shifting contexts they navigate, and the forces that drive transformation. For her work, she selects ordinary materials such as magazines, charcoal, pastel and paint because of their accessibility, functionality, and associations. Russ is grounded in traditional methods yet guided by a contemporary perspective. She strives to connect materials, themes, and processes with the memories and emotions of those who encounter her work.

Education      

2018: MA Creative Writing (Distinction), International Institute of Modern Letters, Victoria University, Wellington Te Herenga Waka.

2017: Diploma Writing for Creative Industries, Nelson Marlborough Institute of Technology.

2014-2016: BA Arts and Media, Nelson Marlborough Institute of Technology.

Selected Exhibitions

2020, Looking out at the View (solo exhibition). Refinery ArtSpace, Whakatū Nelson.

2019, Home / 2003 (solo exhibition). Viewfinder Window Gallery, Whakatū Nelson.

2018, Poetry (group exhibition). g_space Gallery, Whakatū Nelson.

2018, Poetry Lane (group exhibition). Nelson Arts Festival, Whakatū Nelson.

2016, Dust Devil (group exhibition). NMIT, Whakatū Nelson.

2015, A License to Stare (group exhibition). Marlborough Art Society, Te Waiharakeke Blenheim.

Publications

My Grandmother Louise. Kiss Me Hardy. 2019.

Like Perfume. Turbine Kapohau. 2018.

Music-box Ballerina. Kiss Me Hardy. 2018.

Of The Woman As A Portrait Artist. International Institute of Modern Letters, Victoria University, Wellington Te Herenga Waka. 2018.

My Education. Wild Tomato. 2017.

Anthony Byrt. Nelson Mail. 2017.

Readings

My sister is a bolt of lightning. Linwood Arts Eastside Gallery. 2023.

The Potato Eaters. Museum of New Zealand Te Papa Tongarewa. 2018.

Bell Jars are Perfect for Fragments of Sun. Read by Cliff Fell. Volume. Nelson Whakatu. 2017.

The Paisley Snail. Volume. Whakatū Nelson. 2017.

Awards & Recognitions

2024 Landfall Essay Competition. Highly Commended.

Impressions Art Awards. Third place. 2013.

Heard It All Before (Adam Portrait Award). Touring finalist. 2012.