Catherine Forest

What education have you taken?

I graduated from St Pierre Collegiate, MB in 2009 and currently in my fourth year working towards my Bachelor of Fine Arts.

What accomplishments are you proud of?

I’ve done a lot of volunteer work for credit in high school (I’m not sure if that is still relevant). I am currently the Chairperson of Brandon University Fine Arts Student Association (BUFASA). I am the first recipient of the Sharlene Geiger Missing Women Memorial Award.

Tell me about yourself/ your background/ your history.

I grew up on a dairy farm in the small town of St.Malo. When asked what I wanted to be when I grew up, despite others telling me I would be an artist, I didn’t believe this to be a realistic scenario; all I knew is that I wanted to help people. Strangely enough, I’ve found a way to be both with the help and support of family, friends, and teachers

How did you become interested in your field of study?

I’ve always had a love for art; one of my first inspirations came from my mom drawing a simple doodle on a white board I got for Christmas, and I always admired my sister’s artistic talents. Encouragement and faith from my family and friends in addition to wanting to enjoy the courses I would be spending on in University are two of the reasons I chose Fine Arts. When I found out I could major in Fine Arts, I was sold. No matter what kind of job I end up getting whether or not it is relevant to my field of study, I can still use the skills I’ve learned here on my own time, and have my whole life to do it.

What is your philosophy in life?

There is a lot I can say in terms of life philosophy but I’m having a hard time wording it in one short sweet package. I always push myself to do the very best I can, and I only compete with my own expectations of what I’m capable of.  I think challenging yourself in everything that you do is important in order to learn from every type of experience that you have. It is important to be compassionate and care about others, I think it’s only fair to respectfully treat others the way you would like to be treated. I think it is important to keep an open mind, always be eager to learn, and know that you’re allowed to question what you learn.

Where do you see yourself in the future?

Hopefully, in the future I will be working on community outreach programs that use art as a means of healing and encourage positive social change. I particularly would like to work with youth.

Nominator’s Comments

Cat Forest is a ceramics major. She is organizing a project called Angry Arts Week for the second time this year which is meant to bring students and the public together to vent their frustrations around current issues, political and otherwise. I have a feeling there will be alike with the Idle No More movement. She is also President of BUFASA, the fine arts student group, and active in the Clay Club.