Cathleen produces work as a member of IATSE 212's costume department. She has had the pleasure of designing for the Opera, Theatre, local Indie-musicians, Film, and Television. She loves her work because it allows her to collaborate with talented artists and continue to experience the joy of creative problem solvining.
Cathleen’s formal training began at Trozmer Universidad de Diseño in Puebla, Mexico where she learned the basics of patterning and construction. Upon returning to Canada she obtained her Bachelor of Arts in Theatre from Dalhousie University. In tandem with her baccalaureate work Cathleen studied experimental fashion under renowned textile artist Toshiko Macadam at NSCAD University which helped to inform her views on process and sartorial interpretation.
In 2011 she obtained a coveted work study placement at The Banff Centre as the assistant designer to Jorge Sandoval for their Summer Ballet Series. There she had the opportunity to attend master classes in Costume Design from the incomparable Susan Benson. In 2018 she attended Central Saint Martins (University Arts London) where she completed the competitive 'InnovativePattern Cutting for professionals' program, a full time patterning course where she further honed her design sensibilities and process.
Cathleen is proud to have founded the Canadian Costumers Digital Research Initiative, a reserach initiative focused on integrating digital technology into the costume production process.
Education
Parsons - The New School Clo3D Virtual Fashion Certificate Funding provided by: Canada Council for the Arts, & The Michelle Dias Community Service Award
Central Saint Martins Innovative Pattern Cutting for Graduates and Professionals London, UK, Summer 2018 Funding provided by: Canada Council for the Arts, Alberta Foundation for the Arts, & Calgary Arts Development
The Banff Centre, Costume Design with Susan Benson Master Class Banff, AB, Canada — 2009
Lighting fabric, Illustration, Scale and colour in garments
Gerber, Continuing Education Online via NYC- 2021
Digital Pattern Cutting
3D rendering
Dalhousie University - Bachelor of Arts Costume Design Halifax, NS — 2008-2012
Historical Dress
Tailoring (Modern & Historical)
Pattern Cutting & Draping
Theatrical studies - Costume Design & Construction
Nova Scotia College of Art and DesignSupplementary Studies Halifax, NS — 2009-2012
Fabric Science
Dying
Fashion Illustration
Fibre, Fabric, Fashion (Experimental Fashion)
Fashion Industry
"I love my work and feel privileged to work in an amazing costuming community in Alberta, Canada. The scope of my responsibilities and my collaborators change from contract to contract, but my ultimate goal in every project is to produce quality work efficiently, and with an open joyful attitude. I value a respectful, safe workspace and do my part to make my coworkers and clients feel comfortable and cared for. "