Ink Work Art, drawing, painting and terrarium teacher

Ink Work Art

Ink Work Art

location_on Bridgewater, Adelaide

local_activity classes: Paint and SipFlower WreathDrawingPaintingTerrariumPaper Craft and InkFloristry

4.9 (90)
Instagram followers9k

ARTIST STATEMENT
In 2004 shortly after my daughter was born I knew instinctively that I needed to access my core creativity both for my mental health and an the inane desire to create. My outlook and connection with the earth changed with her birth. My respect of the natural world and my need to tread softly, go slow and see the beauty within nature, grew.
Over time I have dabbled in different mediums but always returned pen and ink. In 2006, I created my first mandala and I knew I had found my passion. The connection I feel to the circle has become my solace....in the beginning is the end and in the end is the beginning. My love of small details had lead me to intricate drawings taking anywhere from 100 to 300 hours to complete enabling me to slow. To no longer seek instant gratification but to see beauty in the things that take time. It has been a natural progression for me to combine both my love of the circle with my passion for nature and the need to preserve what we have.

CATHY GRAY
Cathy’s work is hand drawn in archival ink mostly using .03mm Copic multiliner. The delicacy is reminiscent of an embroiderer’s needlework and in particular, lace. The complexity of design and exquisite execution are evidence of Cathy’s devotion to her work, with any one piece taking up to 250 hours. Her intricate and finely detailed works demonstrate a radial balance, drawing our gaze from the centre point. The circle, considered the perfect shape in Ancient Greek culture, has been associated with both divine and natural symmetry. It represents balance and can often symbolise harmony and unity. Cathy’s works evoke harmonious balance and the peace felt creating the works is transferred to the viewer. They invite quiet contemplation and introspection. The mandala can be found across all cultures and many religions, as Carl Jung suggested the mandala is a representation of self, and has a calm and focusing effect on the creator.
A strong Over the last 4 years Cathy has incorporated teaching into her business. With the focus on wellbeing and mental health increasing her class’s offer tools for both mindfulness and relaxation. The workshops have been developed to compliment wellbeing programs participants may already have in place. Cathy currently teaches as an incursion from years 2 – 12 both in the public and private education system. She has been invited to hold workshops at the Adelaide University, Cancer Care, Can-do, Coles and many other businesses.
Cathy currently holds monthly mandala workshops and alongside Karen from Sabi Designs they hold pot painting and terrarium workshops for adults and students in her studio in Bridgewater in the Adelaide Hills.






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Reviews

(90)


Alison James Feb 2024


Our teacher Cathy provided great support and clear instructions and we were able to produce something beautiful and satisfying in the time available. Undertaking a creative project was fun and rewarding. I found it a relaxing and happy experience.

Botanical Monoprint Mandala Class review by Alison James - Adelaide

Elizabeth Feb 2024


Loved the class with Cathy, very worthwhile, will likely attend another. The personalised guidance was very helpful throughout the process.

Ren Petrie Dec 2023


What a brilliant way to spend a Sunday afternoon. Relaxed, creative and productive! Will be booking another session in the new year!

Monica Dec 2023


Great teacher and lovely calming environment

Vanessa Winters Dec 2023


Great teacher. Gave fantastic suggestions & helpful tips.
Beautiful venue. Highly recommend workshop as every participants piece turned out beautifully

Kathy Jones (Gifted To This Person, Booked By Shelley Hensel) Dec 2023


My daughter, granddaughter and I were very impressed by the wonderful set up of Cathy for the Mandala Workshop. The ambience, music and layout was beautiful and all her little touches to make the class so much more enjoyable. Her teaching was relaxing and very thorough and we all felt totally recharged. It has inspired us to carry on and finish our mandalas at home.

Fiona Broadbent Oct 2023

31 ClassBento workshops attended • 32 reviews


I loved this class so much that I went home and drew one on a canvas for my friend. The teacher was very patient and was very helpful. Thank you.

Skye McMahon Oct 2023

2 ClassBento workshops attended


First time doing Mandala's and loved it.
Workshop was great. Lovely room setup and atmosphere.
Cathy was fantastic at teaching and guiding and made the whole experience fantastic.
Would happily do it again - or a similar experience.

Robyn Magor Sep 2023


Wow. What a great experience. Even a non crafty person should give this a go. Heaps of fun and great clear and easy instructions from Cathy. Everything supplied and the wine and cheese and fruit was a lovely touch.
Great to do with your bestie or even in a group.
Give this class a go!

Botanical Monoprint Mandala Class review by Robyn Magor - Adelaide

Aurielle Watts Sep 2023


This was a wonderful experience! Cathy has an amazing talent and is a great teacher - everything was provided, and Cathy give as much help as each attendee needed to help make the most beautiful mandalas. Cathy also had tea/wine and nibbles provided, and I came away feeling very relaxed and happy to have learned a lovely new skill -- and with a gorgeous creation. Highly recommend! Thank you so much, Cathy! Aurielle XX

Mo Johnson Aug 2023


Delightful studio and all set up and ready for my workshop. Very helpful tutors to advise on a colour scheme. All equipment worked really well. On the whole I was delighted with my pot There were three of us who enjoyed pot painting.

Pot Painting Workshop review by Mo Johnson - Adelaide

Veronica Butler Aug 2023

3 ClassBento workshops attended • 2 reviews


Fabulous day creating my cat pot, the teachers were so knowledgeable and helpful and the time creating was so relaxing and welcoming, thank you to both the beautiful girls who helped me, you are so clever ❤️

Painting class review by Veronica Butler - Adelaide

Elise Herbert Jun 2023


Fantastic workshop. I was a bit nervous because I'm not very good at art and mandalas seem hard. However the teacher was able to get us started and was rather easy.
Was able to tale work home and do more as well. I would highly recommend the experience!

Melanie Bartlett May 2023


Great atmosphere, teacher, lovely few hours. Would do it again and have told my friends about it.

Claire Stokes May 2023

9 ClassBento workshops attended • 9 reviews


What a wonderful way to spend a rainy afternoon. Left feeling extremely centred & relaxed, with a beautiful piece of art. Thank you soon much

Mindful Mandala Workshop: Wooden Rounds review by Claire Stokes - Adelaide

Katrina Pape May 2023


Great lesson! Lovely materials. Good range of sample pieces. Helpful print outs for inspiration. Friendly guidance.
Very nice mini cheese platters. Fabulous hospitality.

Mindful Mandala Workshop: Wooden Rounds review by Katrina Pape - Adelaide

Judy Radford May 2023


Super relaxing, Cathy was so positive and super helpful. There was a choice of champagne, herbal tea or water and even a cheese platter, which I did not expect. I would to do it again!

Drawing class review by Judy Radford - Adelaide

Annie Godwin May 2023


Great personalitys they gave great suggestions Look forward to creating more mandelas. Need to get a selection of plants

Bec Wagner May 2023


Was very relaxing and Cathy was warm and so helpful :)
Already thinking about booking another class

Botanical Monoprint Mandala Class review by Bec Wagner - Adelaide

Kylie Whitehead May 2023


Amazing experience with lovely, friendly service and a great environment. So much variety every terrarium was completely different. Will be back again!

Terrarium class review by Kylie Whitehead - Adelaide

Felicity Angel May 2023


Really loved this class! All materials were provided and set out in a lovely home studio with music, glass of bubbles and a cheese plate. Instructions were easy to follow, great for beginners! Anyone can do this class, no special skills required. Great teacher, very friendly and welcoming environment, Highly recommend for a lovely mindful afternoon : ).

Botanical Monoprint Mandala Class review by Felicity Angel - Adelaide

Anna-Maria Zupancic Apr 2023


A relaxed environment with lots of resources for inspiration. Cathy’s one on one support was very much appreciated. Looking forward to finishing my mandala at home.

Mindful Mandala Workshop review by Anna-Maria Zupancic - Adelaide

Kylie Crampton Apr 2023

5 ClassBento workshops attended • 5 reviews


An engaging class in a relaxing and friendly environment.
Both teachers really helpful and attentive.
I found the workshop really meditative and process driven - and was very happy with my final monoprint mandala.
Highly recommend.

Botanical Monoprint Mandala Class review by Kylie Crampton - Adelaide

Sue Matthews Feb 2023


Thoroughly enjoyed my evening class with an excellent teacher who genuinely wanted us to have a great experience.

Erica Marshall Feb 2023

2 ClassBento workshops attended


Fantastic workshop, absolutely loved it. Beautiful space and wonderful guidance.
Would highly recommend this experience.

Brad Jarvis Feb 2023


Teachers were very helpful and experienced, full of fantastic ideas
I expected a relaxing experience, and i wasn't surprised at all very enjoyable. Almost therapeutic.

So many different materials to choose from the possibilities are endless highly recommend and i will most definitely do this again

10/10

Terrarium class review by Brad Jarvis - Adelaide

Nadia Tudhope Feb 2023


Had a great time, loved it. Ladies were lovely and very helpful. Will def be back for more workshops :D

Katja Labudda Feb 2023

2 ClassBento workshops attended


Excellent! Loved it.
Would recommend this to anyone who wants to engage in creative work - without pressure.

Nick Ingerson Feb 2023


It was a lovely experience.
Good atmosphere
Teachers friendly , good advice and generous
Great learning experience
Will cherish the terrariums

Charlotte Stedman Feb 2023


Both teachers were excellent! Both very helpful and easy to understand, offered many different ideas and solutions throughout.
Great venue, very well set out and great use of the space.
All materials provided were very suitable for the terrarium class.
Experience very good value for the cost, as you are provided with so many different materials to help create your little terrarium. Everyone was also provided afternoon tea and drinks throughout the class.
Learnt a lot about how to care for plants within a terrarium.

Will definitely be coming back for another workshop done by Sabi Designs!

Terrarium Workshop review by Charlotte Stedman - Adelaide

Kylie Bircham Feb 2023


Loved the atmosphere, the teachers were really helpful. Can’t wait to try all the other classes they offer.

Terrarium class review by Kylie Bircham - Adelaide

Kaye Turner Feb 2023


Fantastic atmosphere, so very helpful, encouraging and supportive. Loved the idea of looking on website for inspiration. The champagne and nibbles were exactly the right combination. I was just blown away with the whole experience, will recommend the workshop to everyone.

Terrarium Workshop review by Kaye Turner - Adelaide

Marcus Falckh Feb 2023


A really enjoyable afternoon. Excellent value and great hosts. Our terrariums look amazing. So glad we did it

Terrarium class review by Marcus Falckh - Adelaide

Tanya Firth Jan 2023

3 ClassBento workshops attended


We had great night and came away pleasantly surprised with our finished pots. Thank you for all the helpful advice and expertise shared, such approachable and talented teachers. Having drinks, tea and cheese plates available was a lovely addition.

Ena Imamura Jan 2023

2 ClassBento workshops attended • 2 reviews


The ladies at SABI are always fantastic. This has been my third pot. Love it everytime.

Painting class review by Ena Imamura - Adelaide

Anti Nathin Dec 2022

2 ClassBento workshops attended


I was so nervous in the beginning because I don’t have any experience making an art things before. But apparently everything went smoothly and now I’m addicted to it
Thanks Cathy. I definitely will come back!

Drawing class review by Anti Nathin - Adelaide

Lisa Chambers Oct 2022


Cheese, wine and crafts, perfect for a girls day out. Plenty of things to choose from to create a wonderful terrarium. Teachers were lovely and so helpful. Highly recommended

Terrarium class review by Lisa Chambers - Adelaide

Elizabeth Moreton Oct 2022


Fantastic teachers, very attentive and knowledgeable. Fabulous venue, everything supplied from delicious glass of bubbles to a tasty cheese plate!
Glass terrarium just beautiful and a huge supply of plants, sand, pebbles etc to fill it.

Terrarium class review by Elizabeth Moreton - Adelaide

Nidia Losada Oct 2022


The class was held in a studio off of the teachers house, it was nice and neat and organised. The experience was lovely, with the teachers creating a nice environment. It provided plenty of instruction but freedom to play and the materials were high quality.

Sheryn Gillin Oct 2022

7 ClassBento workshops attended • 4 reviews


Comfortable, relaxed atmosphere with very helpful teachers, who offer valuable suggestions but don't interrupt your creativity. Great that the teachers are able to help everyone individually rather than all having to 'copy' the same. Highly recommend.

Bec Bailey Oct 2022


I had such a lovely time. The atmosphere was great and I produced something I'm really proud of. Cathy is a great teacher and so talented!

Karen Stirling Oct 2022


The venue was fantastic bubbles and cheese plate was a great addition. The host was very encouraging and fantastic at drawing and assisting with the next part. I would recommend her to anyone. The only draw back which is nit picking is the tables and chairs were not comfy the tables were too tight for the size of paper. But again i would give her 10 out if 10 for the whole experience.

Chris Mendo Sep 2022


Such fun! A relaxed atmosphere with all the expert advice you need to produce a painted pot! The girls were so helpful with colours, design and fixing any mistakes or wobbly lines!
Will definitely be booking in again!

Natalia Reggini Sep 2022

4 ClassBento workshops attended • 3 reviews


I really enjoyed the workshop. It was fun and relaxing, would love to do it again!

Kylie Hofmann Aug 2022

3 ClassBento workshops attended • 2 reviews


Thoroughly enjoyed the class. Cathy and Karen were great, providing guidance and assistance when asked. A great night out and value for money. Bonus was having a finished pot to take home. My pot looked even better thanks to Cathy adding some ink designs.

Pot Painting Workshop review by Kylie Hofmann - Adelaide

Alana Groth Aug 2022

3 ClassBento workshops attended


Had a great afternoon with Cathy at her Mandala workshop. She was very helpful and gave me ideas I wouldnt have thought of

Wendy Aspinall Aug 2022


Lovely Mandala workshop with Cathy, thoroughly enjoyed it. Excellent way to spend an afternoon. Wendy

Tanya Capogreco Aug 2022


The set up was great, well organised and lots of ideas on what to paint even for the novice! Instructors were very helpful and nice.

Valerie White Jul 2022

4 ClassBento workshops attended • 3 reviews


The teachers were very attentive and helpful. The studio was well set up and everything we needed was supplied, including herbal tea! We learned a lot about terrarium possibilities and care.

Corrine Ammerlaan Jul 2022


So much fun and the teachers were so friendly and helpful! Will be booking again!

Terrarium class review by Corrine Ammerlaan - Adelaide

Julie Howarth Jun 2022

2 ClassBento workshops attended


What a fun afternoon! Fully supported and all materials provided. Karen and Cathy are lovely hosts who encourage you to be creative. I can’t wait to come back and try a new class.

Pot Painting Workshop review by Julie Howarth - Adelaide

Kath Hawkes Jun 2022

2 ClassBento workshops attended


Had a lovely relaxing afternoon pot painting. I'm not an artist but was inspired to try something different and I'm really pleased with the result. Cathy and Karen were great hosts, they gave help and advice when asked and often came round to see how things were going. The class has inspired me to paint some terracotta pots in the garden.

Painting class review by Kath Hawkes - Adelaide

Melissa Wightman Jun 2022


The teachers were amazing and so helpful. It was so much fun painting the pots and quality of product was great.
I can't wait to do it again!
Melissa

Chloe Morrissey Jun 2022

2 ClassBento workshops attended


Amazing. A teaching style that is comforting. Helped me greatly to get a creative spark back. Love the traditional mandala.

Mindful Mandala Workshop review by Chloe Morrissey - Adelaide

Jenny Castrique Jun 2022


Really well run. I never thought I would be able to do it but with tips from a pro I ended up with something I was really proud of. I really enjoyed the afternoon. Thank you

Mindful Mandala Workshop review by Jenny Castrique - Adelaide

Christina Kilgariff May 2022


Great fun, lovely teachers, beautiful terrarium to take home which would easily be worth the cost of the course

Narelle Hardingham May 2022


The venue was inspirational, with so many different material options available, hosts help formulate your ideas and bring it all to life.

Fantastic event, very relaxing, engaging and rewarding.

Absolutely recommended this workshop

Emily Hallinan May 2022


We loved our private class and surprised ourselves with how beautiful our Mandalas looked. Cathy was awesome in her instruction and ideas. It’s such a meditative practice that I can’t wait to get back into it and do more.

Drawing class review by Emily Hallinan - Adelaide

Deb Mandell May 2022


This was a fabulous class, I had never tried mandala and it was a marvellous experience. The venue was beautifully set-up for a relaxing and enjoyable class. Loved the cheese platter and wine…lovely touch ❤️ The instructor was extremely helpful and encouraged us as first time attendees . Will do this again.

Robyn Davis May 2022


It was a relaxing fun night. The teachers were great helping if you needed it and helping with ideas.

Sheryn Gillin May 2022

7 ClassBento workshops attended • 4 reviews


Cathy was a wonderful and very experienced teacher. We all learnt and drew at our own pace, rather than needing to rush to keep up with the rest of the class. Plus Cathy is available post class for any enquiries to finish the project. Highly recommend.

Natasha Wright Mar 2022


Brilliant from start to finish, didn't want to leave. Great info and learnt so much from knowing nothing. Comfortable and well structured. Can't wait to do another one. Thank you

Leonie George Mar 2022

4 ClassBento workshops attended • 3 reviews


Loved the Mindful Mandala workshop. Cathy was friendly and a great teacher who made sure she spent time with everyone. She is a very talented artist and it was lovely being surrounded by some of her beautiful pieces in her studio. Cathy's studio is well set up and comfortable a very relaxing space.
Highly recommend this class. I learnt that I can be creative and found Mandala drawing very relaxing great for quietening the mind.

Kylie Mosel Feb 2022


Absolutely fantastic teacher and venue Cathy has so much knowledge and is so helpful. I will definitely be coming back and bringing friends with me.

Angela Kelly Feb 2022


Cathy was amazing…. Super friendly, helpful and very experienced….her teaching style makes you feel super comfortable I loved the class

Lynette Ward Feb 2022


Everything was perfect, very professional and relaxing atmosphere. Looking forward to going back and give the pot painting a go.

Stephanie Styles Feb 2022

3 ClassBento workshops attended • 3 reviews


Loved, loved, loved it! Cathy was amazing. Super generous with her time. Patient & extremely talented.
Surrounding were beautiful & ambiance perfect; music, cheese platter & drinks ✅✅✅

Fiona O'Neill Feb 2022

2 ClassBento workshops attended • 2 reviews


Great experience! Plenty of support to create something unique in a beautiful hills setting- thanks to Cathy and Karen.

Michelle Sires Feb 2022

2 ClassBento workshops attended


Cathy was just beautiful. Generous in time and spirit. I thoroughly enjoyed the class. Perfect for newbies and advanced. Time went so quickly, I didn't want to leave.
Michelle

Deborah Irving Feb 2022


Teacher was very patient and gave great feedback. Time went so fast in such a peaceful setting.

Grace Macdonald Nov 2021


Well organised and presented.
Creativity and fun were encouraged with the right amount of assistance.
Very good venue and selection of materials.

Hilary Culshaw Nov 2021

2 ClassBento workshops attended • 2 reviews


The teachers were good and so were the materials. It was good value for money. I would like to do more courses.

Talia Radan Oct 2021


We really enjoyed the class. The materials provided were comprehensive, and it was easy to understand what to do (even with no painting or art experience)

Jess Parkes Oct 2021


Great fun! Had such a lovely relaxed time trying something a bit different. Fun evening with mates.

Terrarium class review by Jess Parkes - Adelaide

Nadine Hardwicke Oct 2021


We loved our pot painting class. The teachers gave assistance when required and the facilities and equipment was great. Will definitely book in again

Terry Pearson Oct 2021

2 ClassBento workshops attended • 2 reviews


Best afternoonwas my second pot painting class. The Karen and Cathy are amazing. Will be back.

Camille Gill Oct 2021

4 ClassBento workshops attended • 2 reviews


Class was much fun! Very helpful and friendly, would definitely do this again! Loved it

Pot Painting Workshop review by Camille Gill - Adelaide

Kaye Smyth Oct 2021


Cathy and Karen were great teachers and made for a fun evening. Everything was supplied and lots of support given. Excellent!

Tonya Stevens Sep 2021


Fabulous evening - great instructors who were really helpful and attentive. The bonus was creating a creative pot that I actually love! Thank you

Courtney Denham Sep 2021


Was a lovely class, I enjoyed it thoroughly as did our little group, for what's included I think it is worth the money and the teachers help you with everything you need

Anke Horstmann Aug 2021

5 ClassBento workshops attended • 4 reviews


Great home kit and very good introduction from Cathy! Really enjoyed the session and have now good start in this relaxing way of drawing.

Jessica Douglass Aug 2021

93 ClassBento workshops attended • 84 reviews


I never knew how to do mandalas. I couldn’t even imagine how to start but now thanks to this class I do! I look forward to finishing this one off

Drawing class review by Jessica Douglass

Priyanka Bodhe Jul 2021


Cathy is so lovely! Individual feedback along with attention to details and catering to everyone’s different style of creating their art was the highlight of this workshop It was a fun afternoon Cheers!

Jen West Jul 2021


LOVED our evening with Cathy and Karen. we were greeted outside the house and showed into their gorgeous studio. Our pots and positions at the tables were evident, Covid careful but very comfortable. The room was warm, music played, we were given a delicious cheese plate each and a glass of bubbles. The girls were lovely, briefly told us their story, and then we were into our painting with Cathy and Karen being very hands on and with fabulous guidance. Fantastic array of paint colors to choose from, a good sized pot to paint and loads of brushes to use. ( which the girls kept washed and clean) Absolutely recommend this night out for some girl time and lots of fun.

Pot Painting Workshop review by Jen West - Adelaide

Sue Sanderson Jun 2021


Was a wonderful experience and very relaxing with the side benefit of some lovely art.
Cathy was great and paid as much or as little attention as each individual wanted.
I will be recommending this to my friends.

Amanda Murphy Apr 2021


Cathy was fantastic. Patient and encouraging providing individual guidance to all participants. I would highly recommend her classes.

Rosetta Leone Apr 2021


Really enjoyed the class and cathy was a great teacher

Thank you and and and

Tristan Reimann Feb 2021


Cathy is a wonderful and engaging teacher. She knew exactly when to help with inspiration and when to let us be and go with our flow. We both love the class yet we got such different experiences on a personal level. I would absolutely recommend this class, and would happily attend another.

Janet Roberts Jan 2021


My friend and I enjoyed a beautiful afternoon of mandala making lead by an inspirational teacher! Thank you Cathy.

Debra Ward Jan 2021


This was a fantastic workshop and Cathy is friendly, knowledgeable and a great teacher. The venue was comfortable and well set up with great facilities. All top quality materials were supplied and there was excellent nibbles. I would thoroughly recommend this workshop.

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