In a world of digital speed and visual overload, finding art that invites us to slow down, reflect, and reconnect with ourselves is rare. Yet that’s exactly what Catharine Leggis offers through her detailed hand-drawn ink illustrations. Known by her artistic moniker Catieartworks, Leggis is a self-taught illustrator who draws inspiration from inner peace, fantasy, and the balance between motherhood and creativity. Her latest piece, Peace Dragon, encapsulates her unique voice in the art world—a calm yet striking presence in the chaos of contemporary life.
From Biomedical Sciences to Creative Calling
Born in Dartford, UK, and now based in Kent, Catharine’s journey into art was not a straight path. Though encouraged early on to pursue academic achievement, eventually earning a degree in Biomedical Sciences, her heart always leaned toward drawing.
She always loved illustrating but it wasn’t something she was ever pushed to pursue seriously. Like many emerging creatives, she tucked her passion into the corners of her life—until the pull became too strong to ignore. Now, she’s embracing her identity as a full-time, home-based artist and illustrator, carving out time for her artwork while balancing life as a mother of two.
Peace Dragon: A Meditation in Ink
One of Catharine’s standout pieces is Peace Dragon, a hand-drawn inkwork that feels both mythical and deeply human. Described as “a peace dragon pausing to find inner peace in a world of fire and chaos,” the piece speaks volumes through its quiet symbolism. Rendered in intricate lines and monochrome depth, Peace Dragon is more than just a drawing—it’s a visual reflection of Catharine’s personal journey toward calm amidst life’s unpredictability.
This theme of peaceful resistance and internal strength resonates strongly with many who encounter her work. It’s not just fantasy—it’s a metaphor for survival, motherhood, and the courage to create.
A Style Rooted in Monochrome Precision
Much of Catharine’s work is marked by a monochromatic palette and finely detailed linework, often combining traditional ink drawing with digital illustration tools. This hybrid technique allows her to stay grounded in the tactile experience of drawing while exploring new digital platforms.
She mainly works in ink—either purely hand-drawn or combined with digital tools something is grounding about pen on paper. It slows you down, and forces you to look.
Though she often sticks to black and white, she occasionally brings in color for emotional impact, choosing hues that enhance the story rather than overwhelm it.
Navigating the NFT Space as a New Voice
Despite being relatively new to the professional art scene, Catharine has already made a bold leap into the digital art market by selling her illustrations as NFTs (non-fungible tokens) on both the Tezos and Ethereum blockchains. This move positions her as part of a growing wave of independent artists using decentralized platforms to gain visibility and earn directly from their work.
The NFT space, often dominated by flashy digital renderings and generative art, is an unusual but fascinating arena for hand-drawn illustration. Catharine’s presence there brings a refreshing intimacy—art that feels crafted by hand, rooted in hours of quiet creation rather than code. Her work reminds collectors that storytelling and technical skill still matter deeply in this evolving digital landscape.
Art as a Daily Ritual
What sets Catharine apart is not just her talent, but her persistence. As a mother of two, carving out creative time can be a challenge—but for her, drawing is more than a career. It’s a daily act of self-preservation, a ritual of grounding, and a reminder that personal identity need not be sacrificed on the altar of motherhood.
She think a lot of mums feel that tension—trying to be everything to everyone and still hold on to a sense of who you are. Drawing helps them come back.
Her work, then, becomes a kind of visual journal: each line a gesture of balance between chaos and calm, duty and desire, fire and peace.
A Journey Just Beginning
Catharine Leggis is still early in her public art journey, but her work already carries a signature blend of technical skill, emotional resonance, and thoughtful storytelling. Whether it’s a dragon resting quietly amid symbolic flames or a monochrome portrait whispering its secrets through careful ink strokes, her art invites us to pause, breathe, and look a little deeper.
Her growing presence on NFT platforms suggests a promising future—one where her quiet voice can echo across borders and connect with a global audience drawn to art that is both intricate and intentional.
Final Thoughts: The Power of Inner Worlds
At its core, Catharine Leggis’s art isn’t about spectacle—it’s about substance. It’s about navigating modern life with a steady hand, a focused mind, and a compassionate heart. Her inked worlds may be small in size, but they are vast in meaning. Through Catieartworks, she offers more than illustration; she offers sanctuary.
As collectors and art lovers continue to seek works that offer meaning in an overstimulated world, artists like Catharine—rooted, reflective, and unafraid to pause—are quietly reshaping the future of illustration.
