Artist shutting down publishing side to concentrate on art for art’s sake
Making art for art’s sake is Catherine Kleeli’s new mantra as the artist and publisher has decided to retire her greeting card business from 14 September.
Catherine made the announcement yesterday, 23 August, explaining that a recent operation on her right hand has encouraged the decision after running the business for almost a decade, having developed her artwork into cards, prints, gifts, and homewares.
“I’ve absolutely loved starting and developing my little business which I thought might keep me out of mischief for a couple of years!” she explained. “After nine amazing years I’ve decided it’s time to have a different kind of fun.
“I’ve just had an operation on my right hand, the one I need for all my creative endeavours, and all routine daily tasks, and it’s made me even more certain that it’s time to make art for art’s sake without the demands of running the business.”
Based in south Yorkshire in her sunny studio, built during lockdown by her husband, where her two black Labradors kept her company, Catherine has always enjoyed creative hobbies then, after earning a first-class honours degree in fine arts as a mature student, she started work as a practising artist exhibiting at shows, undertaking commissions and running printmaking workshops.
She added: “In 2014 I started my Catherine Kleeli Cards enterprise when, having decided to try my hand at collage rather than my usual painting or printmaking, I showed a family member my collaged creations. They commented that ‘these would make lovely greeting cards’ and the rest is history, as they say.”
Taking inspiration from the natural work for her designs, many of which have animal subjects, Catherine was a finalist in the 2016 and 2017 Best Art Card Range category in The Henries Awards, and was also Highly Commended at the British Craft Trade Fair in 2018.
The website is currently still operating, and trade orders are being taken as normal until 14 September and the retail shop will remain open to the same date.
“Thanks to you all for your support, words of encouragement and purchases over the years,” Catherine said. “I think myself fortunate to have been represented by a number of brilliant card agents who helped to sell my range into retailers around the country, particularly in the early days when my range was quite small. Their belief in my knowingly-niche blank art card range, their advice and support encouraged me.”
