Post 10- Offical Artist Statement and Bio- CTF

Bio:

Caitlin (Clay) Feeley is an illustrator based in Bayonne, New Jersey. Currently studying Illustration at New Jersey City University on both a 4-year and an art scholarship. Art has always been core to who they are, a lifelong companion shaped by early inspiration from their father’s love of comics and cartoons. Through character design and style exploration, Clay expresses emotion, identity, and introspection. Their work is driven by a passion for connecting with others who share a similar creative spark. Today, they continue that mission as a paint instructor at Drip in Jersey City, sharing the joy of making art.

Artist Statement:

My work explores the intersection of the mystical and the personal. Drawing from historical sources like mythology, tarot, astrology, and the occult, I use these symbolic systems to reflect on identity, the complexity of relationships, and how we come to truly know one another. I’m fascinated by the emotional depth of queer-like companionship and how characters can form bonds that feel otherworldly or dreamlike.

Symbolism plays a huge role in my storytelling. I’m interested in how meaning shifts across different contexts, how stories overlap and evolve, and how our sense of self is shaped by layered experiences. Creating, in my eyes, is about understanding- mapping emotional landscapes, expressing the desire to be seen, and exploring who people are beneath the surface.

In a way, I think of my art as visual divination: a personal tool for reflection, connection, and revelation. I try to capture feelings that resist categorization, moments that aren’t linear or obvious, through layered visuals, repetition, and symbolic storytelling. My characters often embody these explorations, becoming mirrors for internal dialogue and emotional nuance.

I primarily work digitally, using programs like Procreate, Clip Studio Paint, Adobe Illustrator, and Photoshop. Don’t be fooled! My heart is still deeply connected to traditional media. That’s where many other digital artists and I started, planting the seed of our craft. Usually, I sketch with graphite, but have grown to use ink instead, forcing myself to work with mistakes and imperfections. I also love the bright and nostalgic feel of colored pencils and crayons. Often, I'll mix watercolor or gouache with other materials to play with texture, mood, and depth. Attempting to capture life and motion in the work.

At its core, my practice is about self-realization, intensity of depth, queer-like companionship, and soul-searching. It’s also about reconnecting with my roots, my process, and the joy that sprouted all of this. I try to create work that feels honest and insightful, that invites others to pause, reflect, and maybe even see a piece of themselves in it.