Hub Member Spotlight: Meet Cath
Oct 25, 2026
Every member has their own creative story, and that’s what makes the Create! Art Hub such a special place.
This month, we’re introducing you to Cath Mears, one of our lovely long-standing members who has been part of the Hub since it first began during lockdown.
From mixed media and watercolours to beautiful travel sketchbooks and handmade cards, Cath has a real passion for all things creative. We caught up with her to find out a little more about her artistic journey and what being part of the Hub means to her.
Tell us a little bit about yourself and your love of art.
I'm Cath Mears from West Bridgford, Nottingham. I spent 33 years working for Barclays before escaping into retirement 13 years ago!
When I'm not doing art, you'll usually find me at the local gym, cycling with friends, heading off on adventures in my camper van or visiting my son in Australia, where I spend three months each year.
I've always loved anything to do with art, design and craft, but I'm definitely at my happiest in my art room. I particularly enjoy mixed media, and my absolute favourites are dip pen and ink and watercolour.
I also completed a Decorative Arts Degree about 15 years ago. I just wish Create! had been around back then. I could have got so much more from it!
What made you decide to join the Create! Art Hub?
I've known Helen for many years, long before the Hub existed, and had enjoyed a few lessons at her lovely West Bridgford studio.
But what really convinced me to join was taking part in one of Helen's free 30-minute Facebook classes, where we created a paintbrush picture using chalk.
I absolutely loved it and, as they say, the rest is history!
I joined the Hub when it first started during lockdown and have been enjoying it ever since.
What have you particularly enjoyed about the Hub?
The Hub has really helped me improve my drawing skills. I'm now happy to tackle things I would never have dreamt of attempting before.
I particularly enjoy the live Zoom classes and seeing what everyone else produces. It's amazing how we can all follow exactly the same lesson and end up with so many different results. That's one of the things I love most about art.
Helen is a brilliant teacher. She breaks everything down into manageable, bite-sized pieces, so nothing ever feels too daunting.
And you don't need to worry about having all the right materials. You can use what you have to hand and still produce something wonderful.
What else has being part of the Hub given you?
Definitely more confidence in my art!
I'm much more competent and willing to try new things, but I've also gained the confidence to share my work with others.
The Facebook group is such a welcoming, friendly community. I love seeing what everyone else is creating and always feel comfortable sharing my own artwork. That's something I would never have done before joining Create!
It's lovely to be part of a group where everyone encourages and inspires each other.
What are you working on at the moment?
I always have a sketchbook on the go. I absolutely love them!
I've just finished a travel journal from a two-week camper van trip through France, Belgium and Luxembourg. I create a journal or sketchbook for every trip, including my visits to Australia, so I'm building up quite a collection now.
I'm also starting to think about my annual Christmas cards!
I make all my own cards, and so do both my children. I haven't bought a card in 30 years, and neither have they! They're always well received, and it saves a fortune too.
Over the years, I've built up a huge collection of artwork through Create!, and I hope to keep adding to it for many more years.
What would you say to someone thinking about joining?
I'd absolutely recommend it!
My advice would be to try a couple of Helen's free 30-minute Facebook classes and see for yourself.
You don't need to be an experienced artist or have lots of expensive materials. Helen makes everything so achievable, and there's always something new to learn.
The classes are great fun, the community is lovely, and you'll be amazed at what you can achieve.
A huge thank you to Cath for sharing her creative journey with us and for letting us share just a few pieces from her wonderful collection of artwork.
It's been such a pleasure having Cath as part of our creative community for so many years, and we love seeing how her confidence and creativity continue to grow.
That's exactly what the Create! Art Hub is all about. Whether you're picking up a paintbrush for the first time or have been creating for years, there's always something new to discover.
You don't need to keep up. You don't need to be perfect. You just need to enjoy creating.
Feeling inspired by Cath?
Come and join us in the Create! Art Hub and make a little more space for creativity in your life.
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