Catherine D. McManus
Photographer, Artist, Designer
Observing the natural world through a profoundly evocative lens, Catherine’s images reveal aspects of our environment that we don’t always see…even when they’re right in front of us.
With a body of work spanning oceans, Catherine invites us to join in her explorations of enchanting landscapes, sacred spaces, and cathartic moments. Her passion for myth and folklore also lends an archetypal and ethereal flair to her photography and digital art.
As a young woman, Catherine experienced a devastating personal loss that awakened a deeply emotional element in her work. Her heartbreak and healing adds an emotive, otherworldly depth invoking a cautious but conscious exploration and celebration of life, nature, and humanity.
“Art and nature can be catalysts for healing and resilience. They are gifts waiting to be discovered when you need them most. Standing in a field on an overcast day, sitting alone on a beach, or walking through an ancient forest, there is a familiarity there, a kinship. For me, these quiet moments in nature bring peace and that elusive spark of creativity that can so easily evade an artist.
I hope my photographs inspire you to seek out the magic in every day, even the small things that delight you and fill you with wonder… and as difficult as it can be in the chaos that surrounds us, to truly be present and appreciate the magic when you find it.”
Catherine’s images have appeared in both national and international exhibitions and publications, including several magazines, across Northeast Ohio, the Pacific Northwest, Los Angeles, Ireland, United Kingdom, and India.
*Catherine has also been credited as Catherine Somerlot in past publications and exhibitions.
Education
Bachelor of Science in Digital Communication, Franklin University, Columbus, Ohio
Associate of Arts, Lakeland Community College, Kirtland, Ohio
Exhibitions
2023 – 13th May Show Group Exhibition. The Gallery at Lakeland, Kirtland, Ohio
2022 – One Million Photos Group Exhibition. Cleveland Photo Fest. Bostwick Design Art Initiative, Cleveland, Ohio
2021 – Size Matters – Squares Group Exhibition. Stella’s Art Gallery, Willoughby, Ohio
2021 – Solo Exhibition, Water is My Element. Geauga County Public Library, Bainbridge Branch, Chagrin Falls, Ohio
2021 – BAYarts Annual Juried Exhibition. BAYarts, Bay Village, Ohio
2020 – Kerala-Cleveland Photo Exchange. PhotoMuse, Kerala, India
2020- Photography Only Group Exhibition. Stella’s Art Gallery, Willoughby, Ohio. 1st Place for All The White Horses IV
2020 – Northeast Ohio Group Exhibition. Stella’s Art Gallery, Willoughby, Ohio. 2nd Place for Lake Erie Sunset
2020 – Creative Women Today V Group Exhibition. Creative Space Avon, Avon, OH. BEST OF SHOW for Spellbound
2020 – Shades of Gray+ Group Exhibition. Creative Space Avon, Avon, Ohio
2019-2020 – Snap to Grid Group Exhibition. Los Angeles Center for Digital Art, Los Angeles, California
2019 – Infinite Madness Group Exhibition. 818 Studios, Tremont, Cleveland, Ohio
2019 – 52 Weeks 52 Works Group Exhibition. Baldwin Wallace University’s Fawick Gallery, Berea, Ohio
2019 – Altered Landscapes Group Exhibition. Mac’s Backs Books, Coventry Village, Cleveland Heights, Ohio
2019 – Cleveland Photography Fest Group Exhibition. The Good Goat Gallery, Lakewood, Ohio
2019 – Cleveland Photography Fest Sell & Show Show. The Good Goat Gallery, Lakewood, Ohio
2019 – Exhibited work becomes part of permanent collection of McDowell Homes in Solon, Ohio
2019 – The Ends of the Earth…Lead You Home – Cain Park, Cleveland Heights, Ohio
2019 – Sunsets & Snapshots. 5 Points Coffee & Tea, Cleveland, Ohio
2018 – Mystic Woodland. 24 Karrot Kitchen, Brecksville, Ohio
2018 – 2019 – Group Exhibition. McDowell Homes, Solon, Ohio
2018 – Mystic Woodland. 5 Points Coffee & Tea, Cleveland, Ohio
2009 – Solo Exhibition, Lynnwood Arts Commission, Seattle, Washington*
2007 – Snap to Grid Group Exhibition. Los Angeles Center for Digital Art, Los Angeles, California
2007 – What’s in your Creative Pocket? Group Exhibition. The Gallery at Lakeland, Kirtland, Ohio
2004 – Group Exhibition. The Enclave, Willoughby, Ohio
2002 – Student Show. Lakeland Art Gallery, Kirtland, Ohio
Publications
2020 Desk Calendar – 52 Weeks 52 Works
October, 2017 – Victoriana – commissioned album artwork for Emmy-nominated soundtrack
April, 2010 – Avalon Revisited – commissioned cover artwork for Amazon bestselling novel*
December, 2009 – ALT Fashion Magazine, UK- digital art spread*
November, 2009 – Spirit Seeker Magazine, USA – cover image*
October, 2009 – Spirit Seeker Magazine, USA – cover image*
June, 2009 – FAE Magazine, UK – digital art spread*
May, 2008 – Photographs licensed by greeting card company Sincerely, Fido*
December, 2002 – The Lakelander
May, 2000 – The News Herald
Awards
2020 – 1st Place for All The White Horses IV, “Photography Only” Group Exhibition. Stella’s Art Gallery
2020 – 2nd Place for Lake Erie Sunset, “Northeast Ohio” juried exhibition. Stella’s Art Gallery
2020 – Best of Show for Spellbound, “Creative Women Today V” juried exhibition, Creative Space Avon
2019 – Crystal Award Of Merit for From A Dream, Gallery Ring
2010 – National Parks Photo Contest Winner (chosen by Ken Burns), Boston.com
2006 – Nikon D-50 Demo Photo Contest Winner, Dodd Camera
2000 – Press Photography Awards, Northeastern Ohio Scholastic Press Association (NOSPA) – Kent State University School of Journalism and Mass Communication
Articles
A Labor of Loss and Love – Scriptype Publishing, July 2018
Experience
2022 – Geauga County Public Library Photography Contest – Judge
2021 – Battle of the Teal – Visual Arts Adjudication Panel
2020 – Battle of the Teal – Visual Arts Adjudication Panel
2016 – Current: Art & Digital Marketing Director, Nonprofit Org., Cleveland, OH
2006 – Current: Web Designer (self-employed / contract)
2006 – Current: Graphic Designer (self-employed / contract)
2003 – Current: Photo Retouching & Restoration (self-employed / contract)
2000 – 2006: Photo Lab Technician & Manager, Dodd Camera, Mentor, OH
*Credited as Catherine Somerlot
Your work is incredibly beautiful. It transcends words and captures the depth of nature in all its glory and “being”. Truly, you have such a gift.
– Patron
[Catherine] produces some stunning photography. You should spend some time on her website, it’s like taking a road trip. You know, the kind that seeps into your soul and warms it with an embrace that really never leaves you.
– Jesse M.
